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WATER BAPTISM (II)
THURSDAY, MAY 21
Mark 7:1-7
Luke 11:38
 
“By the washing of regeneration,
and renewing of the Holy Ghost.”
 
WATER BAPTISM (II)
 
There is no instance of baptism recorded in the New Testament in which it is clear that immersion was the method used. There are several instances in which immersion is quite excluded by the context. In Luke 11:38 we read that “when the Pharisee saw it, he marvelled that he had not first washed [literally ‘baptized’] before dinner.” It was customary for the Jews to wash, that is to baptize, themselves before their meals. A fuller explanation is found in Mark 7:1-7. When the Pharisees saw that some of Jesus’ disciples ate with unwashed hands, they were astonished. Mark explains, “the Pharisees, and all the Jews, except they wash their hands oft, eat not, holding the tradition of the elders. And when they come from the market, except they wash [or ‘baptize themselves’], they eat not. And many other things there be, which they have received to hold, as the washing [baptism] of cups, and pots, brasen vessels, and of tables.” To wash a table by immersion would be problematical, to say the least.
 
We know from other Scriptures how the ancients were accustomed to washing their hands (eg. 2 Kings 3:11). The water for washing was kept in jars. A servant’s duty was to dip and pour on his master’s hands (2 Kings 3:11) and feet also (Luke 7:44). When the Jews came from the market place it was their custom to wash themselves, and for this act Luke uses the word “baptize” (Luke 11:38).
 
It is abundantly evident from Luke 11:38 and Mark 7:1-5 that the word “baptize” did not necessarily imply immersion.
 
THOUGHT: Quoting John Sung on the baptism question: “More faith less water, less faith more water.”
PRAYER: Father, I thank Thee for cleansing me spiritually from all my sins through Thy Word and the Blood of Thy Son.

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