What the New Testament Says About Water by Myra Kahn Adams for Town Hall
Thanks for joining us as we conclude our two-part study about what the Bible says about water. Last week we covered the Old Testament and now the New. If you missed last week’s study, please read it first since the New Testament’s verses are grounded in the Old.
However, before diving in, a message from our sponsor John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo, Florida. (Just kidding about the sponsor, but the message is on topic.)
At the “park,” six miles offshore and submerged in 25 feet of water, is a 4,000 pound, 8.5-foot tall, bronze statue of Jesus. With His face tilting toward the surface, and arms outstretched, Jesus appears to be embracing the boatloads of snorkelers who look down upon Him. This famous, top-rated dive site is named either Christ of the Abyss or Christ of the Deep, and even those with no faith in Jesus find the statue inspiring.
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I reference the beloved statue because the open arms symbolize the triangular relationship between us, Jesus, and water. It is through water that you come to Him. Let’s begin with Christ’s first New Testament adult appearance during which He receives the water of Baptism, marking the beginning of His Messianic ministry:
“Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. But John tried to deter him, saying, ‘I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?’ Jesus replied, ‘Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.’ Then John consented. As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased’” (Matthew 3:13-17).
To what was Jesus referring when he said, “it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness?”
