Baptism Is Bath Time – January 17, 2025

But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.
Titus 3:4-7

Baptism Is Bath Time

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

There are some really big words in our verses today—words like righteous, mercy, justified, grace, and heir. There could be a devotion on each of them! Instead, let’s focus on another word that is easy to understand and picture. Here it is—washing.

Washing sounds easy to do, but you probably know from personal experience that washing can be hard. Parents know how hard it is to wash their small children. Kids often don’t want to stop playing for bath time; so, parents often need to convince (and plead) with kids to be washed. Even when kids get to the bathtub, it’s not easy. Often, the parents are the ones who are applying the soap and shampoo, scrubbing the dirt, and then rinsing the children. All the while, the parents have to make sure that children are safe in water that’s not too deep nor too hot.

But, in the end, washing saves you from dirty appearances, from stinky smells, and from harmful germs. Because the children come out of bath time refreshed and renewed, it’s worth it.

And that’s why the apostle Paul referred to baptism as “the washing of rebirth and renewal.” When we were first born, each of us were covered in the germs of sin. In a spiritual sense, we were dirty and stinky. To make matters worse, like stubborn kids before bedtime, we didn’t think we needed to be washed clean.

But, like a loving parent, God took us to the waters of baptism. He applied his word to us—the spiritual soap that scrubs away sin. Then, God rinsed us clean. He washed us clean through baptism. In a sense, you’ve been reborn. Now, you’re brand new.

Eventually, a child realizes that bath time is not the end and heads off to bed knowing there will be a new day to laugh and play. It’s the same with baptism. Baptism is our spiritual bath time, and it guarantees that we can fall asleep and wake up forgiven and clean for the new day.

Closing Prayer:

Lord Jesus Christ, by your death and resurrection, you have saved us from sin and death. By baptism, you have given us the eternal life you won for us. Let me wake up tomorrow remembering I’m clean and ready to live a clean life until the day we wake up to an eternity with you in heaven. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

• What’s the one word today’s devotion was about?
• When Paul talks about “washing,” what is he talking about?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• God’s love and kindness appeared in Jesus Christ. What are some ways that Jesus showed kindness and love during his ministry?
• What are some ways you can show kindness and love this week?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Paul pictures baptism as a “washing,” a “rebirth,” and a “renewal.” Which word-picture do you like most? Why?
• At your baptism the words, “In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” were spoken. Why are the same words said at the start of every worship service?