Baptism has been a part of Jewish tradition for centuries.

Tevila, or immersion in a mikveh, a pool where water has gathered, has been a part of ceremonial cleansing for Jewish men and women since the time of Moses. Women after childbirth, priests before temple service, even bodies before burial, were immersed in pools for purification.

Living waters — waters open to receive rain — were the favored places for baptisms. When we first meet John the Baptist, he is baptizing Jews in the living waters of the Jordan River.

Then Jesus arrives upon the scene.

Like all the other scriptural traditions the Jews honored, Jesus took it and tore back the curtain. He wiped the scales off watching eyes and revealed God’s hidden message in the practice.

Baptism isn’t about cleaning off dirt. It isn’t about water at all, and it isn’t just for a select group. Baptism invites all people to choose God. All nations are invited into a relationship with Him.

Jesus essentially said, “Douse them, soak them, cover them in their Protector, in their Savior, and in their Counselor — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Wash their outside to show how God is washing their hearts.”

“I am the Living Water,” He promises. “Immerse yourself in Me.”

Water baptism is just a beginning. Immerse yourself in Christ today.