Bob’s talk on baptism explores the story of Zacchaeus in Luke 19, showing how Jesus sees us, changes us and invites us to follow him. Zacchaeus was a despised chief tax collector, yet Jesus called him by name and chose to visit his home. While the crowd judged him, Jesus knew his heart and took the first step towards a relationship with him. This reminds us that nobody is beyond God’s love, and we do not need to get our lives in order before coming to Jesus.
Meeting Jesus transformed Zacchaeus. He chose to give half his possessions to the poor and repay four times the amount to anyone he had cheated. His response showed that genuine change involves more than saying sorry; it means putting things right. We do not earn God’s love through good behaviour, but respond to the love and forgiveness he has already given us.
Baptism symbolises leaving our old life behind and rising to new life through Jesus’ death and resurrection. It is not a declaration of perfection, but a public expression of trust in him. Following Jesus is a lifelong journey, with challenges as well as joy, and we are never alone. Jesus knows us by name, welcomes us, forgives us and invites us to keep following him each day.
Watch
Note: This is the video from the whole of our online meeting.