Holy Baptism
Q48. Which word of God is this?
Christ our Lord says in the last chapter of Matthew: "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."
Scripture Proofs — King James Version
Matthew 28:19
“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.”
Parent Guide
Discuss this question together
Discussion Questions
- 1
Who commanded Baptism?
- 2
Why does Jesus say to baptize "in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit"?
- 3
What does it mean that Baptism is not something the church invented but something Jesus gave?
Illustration
When your parents tell you to do something, it carries weight because they have authority over you. When the President signs a law, it carries even more weight. Jesus is the Lord of all creation, and he commanded Baptism. That means Baptism is not optional or unimportant. It carries the authority of God himself.
Application
This week, read Matthew 28:19 together as a family. Notice that Jesus gives both a command and a name. Because Baptism is Christ's own command, we can trust that he stands behind it with all his authority.
Read Luther’s expanded teaching
From the Large Catechism (1529)