Why did Jesus not baptize, but His disciples did, in John 4:2? Setting the Scene in John 4:2 • “although Jesus Himself was not baptizing, but His disciples were” (John 4:2) • The Lord’s growing popularity (John 3:22–26; 4:1) raised questions about who was doing the baptizing and why. Reasons Jesus Left the Act to His Disciples • To spotlight spiritual, not ceremonial, baptism – John the Baptist had said, “He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire” (Matthew 3:11). – By abstaining from the water rite, Jesus underscored the greater baptism He alone gives (John 7:37-39). • To prevent personality allegiance – Human nature latches on to whoever performs the rite; Paul worried about this: “I thank God that I did not baptize any of you… so that no one can say that you were baptized into my name” (1 Corinthians 1:14-15). – If Jesus had baptized personally, converts might have boasted of a “superior” baptism and fostered rivalry (cf. 1 Corinthians 3:4). • To model delegation and train future leaders – Jesus consistently involved the Twelve in hands-on ministry (Mark 6:7, 12-13; Luke 10:1, 17). – Allowing them to baptize prepared them for the Great Commission: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them…” (Matthew 28:19). • To keep the focus on His primary mission – “The Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10). – Preaching, healing, and ultimately the cross (John 12:27) occupied His limited earthly time; the disciples could handle the symbolic act. What This Tells Us About Baptism Today • The act remains vital—Jesus commanded it (Matthew 28:19); the early church practiced it (Acts 2:41; 8:36-38). • Its power lies not in who performs it but in the name of the triune God and the faith of the believer (Colossians 2:12; 1 Peter 3:21). • Christ alone imparts the inward reality—new birth by the Holy Spirit (John 3:5-6; Titus 3:5). Key Takeaways • Jesus refrained from baptizing to elevate the spiritual baptism He provides, avoid misplaced loyalties, train His followers, and stay focused on His redemptive mission. • The disciples’ role shows that ordinary servants can administer meaningful ordinances when commissioned by the Lord. • For us, baptism remains an outward testimony of an inward grace accomplished by Christ Himself. |
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