Twice Baptized?

This Sunday's reading from Matthew 3:13-17 takes me back to our recent trip to the Jordan river.

Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan, to be baptized by him. John would have prevented him, saying, ‘I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?’ But Jesus answered him, ‘Let it be so now; for it is proper for us in this way to fulfil all righteousness.’ Then he consented. And when Jesus had been baptized, just as he came up from the water, suddenly the heavens were opened to him and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.’

We visited a site on the Jordan river where there is easy access for baptisms. Gowns, towels and a changing room are available for people wanting to be baptized. We had two Baptist pastors in our group who dunked the large number who wanted to be submerged (see the picture below).

All these people had been baptized before they left the United States, and they all seemed like good Christian folks, but perhaps they hadn't been instructed in Baptismal theology.

And most likely they had not been baptized by a priest in apostolic succession.

Pewsterspouse and I repeat every Sunday that we believe in one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins, so we sat this one out. A sweet Roman Catholic couple bonded with us and also stayed dry.