THE MIKVEH

One of the big questions I have had since becoming an American Baptist has been this: since we don't see baptism referenced anywhere in the Old Testament, where does the ritual come from? 

I had never found the answer until researching this week's sermon. 

The only Jewish ritual which comes close to what John was practicing before the start of Jesus' earthly ministry was the mikveh, submersion in water that was used in two broad ways:

1) As a periodic cleaning from impurity. (Like after a woman gave birth.)

Or 2) The conversion of a Gentile to the Jewish religion.

The second use is the closest to what John the Baptist was doing. His was meant as a one time turning away from past sins and toward God and new life. This was exactly what the Jewish mikveh represented for the Gentile.

But if baptism was like the conversion use of mikveh, consider the ramifications!

John was saying in essence, "It's not enough to have Abraham as your father - you are still sinners. Just like the Gentile sinners, you need to turn from your sins and get right with God."

You can see why those who came to John proved to be open to Jesus while others - among the Pharisees and Sadducees - took great offense at the practice!