The Baptism Hurdle (Humility)

 "Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I commanded you.  And surely I am with you always, to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:18-20 NIV).

Jesus had specific commands for His disciples to execute.  As seen in the above verses, there's "to make," "baptizing," and "teaching."  There are further, given instructions in how to carry these out.

What were they supposed to go and do?  They were to make disciples - not just of their own people, but of all nations.  It wasn't just to get them just inside the kingdom gate either.

They were to baptize these nations all in the same name, that of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  The next step was to teach them.  Note specifically what they were to be taught.  They were to obey everything Jesus had commanded them.  They were to teach obedience to Jesus.

Additionally, they were not to be left high and dry once Jesus went back to heaven.  He made a promise

 "to be with [them] to the end of the age."

So Jesus had given His instructions and then a promise with this "last will and testament".  There is much to unpack here but I want to focus on the command to "baptize" and then "to teach to obey."

I purposely link these two commands because baptism seems to be a hurdle for many new believers.  It's a scary action for many as it seems to mark a point of no return in many minds.  At least, this is an observation I have seen in several cases over the years.

We shouldn't forget that baptism does NOT save us.  It is only

 "the blood of Jesus Christ that cleanses us from all sin" (see 1 John 1:7 NIV).

  Our acceptance  of God's gift of salvation is what saves us.  Our belief is in Him.  

"Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved (Acts 16:31). 

 This is a prerequisite to baptism.

Moving on then we can ask just what creates this hurdle for new believers.  I do not have a comprehensive list.  Readers here may be able to add to the ones I name below.

One could be shyness to get up there and confess in front of a group of onlookers.  Another could be that the candidate for baptism comes from a non-Christian family.  The potential baptism-ee, may wish to not upset the apple cart in their family especially if the person is a minor and/or still living under their parents' roof and authority.

How does one weigh the command to obey and honor ones' parents with the command, from Jesus,

 "to obey everyting I have commanded you?"  

This is a serious dilemma for many new believers.  It is one they will need to answer carefully for themselves.

We know that the thief on the cross who had come to faith in Christ did not have opportunity to be baptized, for obvious reasons.  No doubt there have been deathbed conversions as well.  The idea that baptism does not save us can be seen in Mark 16:16 ESV.

"Whoever believes and is baptized will be save,"

Yes, this sounds like I contradict myself, but read further ..."

" ... but whoever does not believe will be condemned."

The point is that our repentance, belief and faith in Christ is what saves.  Yet, for the rest of us, I don't for one minute believe it creates a loophole to escape baptism.

Christian living is never easy.  It's not for sissies.  We have the great comfort to know, to understand and to experience Jesus' promise to

 "be with us even to the end of the world."

Jesus' command to "obey everything" will definitely take humility and courage.  Walking humbly and in the fear of the Lord Jesus will help us to obey the baptism hurdle command.  And true obedience is instant.

May I encourage any who struggle with this hurdle to sincerely pray about baptism and the timing.  We still need to obey our parents but we must also obey God and His Word.  Ask the Lord to open up a way to get over the baptism hurdle without knocking anything down.

Lord Jesus, I recently became one of Your followers.  I do want to obey Your command to be baptized.  But I have some hurdles to overcome such as, (      name them        ).  Help me to be obedient to all You command.  Show me Your timing for me in this.  I humbly ask in Your name. Amen.

                                               ~  ERC  February 2026  ~

Based on Matthew 28:18-20 NIV.  Additional Scriptures:  John 3:18, 36; Acts 16:31 and Romans 10:9.

Sing, What Can Wash Away My Sins, along with Park Church.