Water Baptism and Communion: Are They “Magical,” or Misunderstood?
Water Baptism and Communion: Are They “Magical,” or Misunderstood?
Introduction
This morning I’ve been thinking about two familiar practices in the church — water baptism and communion. They’ve been part of my life since childhood, yet I find myself wondering again what they truly mean and whether they play any role in becoming One with the Father. Today I want to look at Scripture and reflect on their purpose.
Scripture
“Unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.”
John 3:5
“He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.”
Matthew 3:11
“Do this in remembrance of Me.”
Luke 22:19
Reflection
I’ve been thinking about water baptism and the Eucharist — how they started, and whether there is anything “magical” in them. Many churches treat them as requirements, almost like spiritual checkpoints. But when I look at Scripture, I see something different.
Water Baptism
Water baptism began with John the Baptist. His call was simple: turn, repent, prepare your heart for the One who was coming. The water was a sign — an outward expression of an inward turning.
(Matthew 3-4) When Yeshua came to John, the Spirit descended on Him. I’ve wondered about that moment. Did He not already have the Spirit? How did He obey the Father growing up?
I think it’s because His Father is God. He was fully human, yet carried the life of the Father within Him. The Spirit descending wasn’t giving Him something He lacked — it was revealing Him, anointing Him, marking the beginning of His ministry.
After His resurrection, the Spirit came upon people without water. The disciples received the Spirit in a room, not a river. The early church baptized, yes — but the Spirit was given freely, by the Father, to those He knew would receive Him.
There is no magic in the water.
The water is a sign.
The Spirit is the reality.
The Eucharist
The Eucharist is another practice surrounded by tradition. Some churches observe it weekly, others monthly, others only on special occasions. But what did Yeshua mean when He said, “Do this in remembrance of Me”?
I don’t think He was pointing to the bread and wine as magical objects. I think He was pointing to the remembering — the gathering, the unity, the shared life. The bread and wine are symbols of His sacrifice, reminders of the love that made our unity possible.
The power is not in the elements.
The power is in the remembering — and in the One we remember.
Connection to Today
Growing up Lutheran, I was baptized as a baby. It was simply what was done. Later, in a non‑denominational church, I chose to be baptized again, this time by immersion. I’ve wondered whether it was necessary. Did it change anything spiritually?
Today, I question that.
Many churches treat baptism and communion as requirements, but Yeshua taught something deeper. He said we must be born again — born of the Spirit. We must be cleansed from within. Water cannot do that. Bread cannot do that. Wine cannot do that.
Only the Spirit can.
John 17 suggests that the Spirit is given to those the Father has known long before they were born — those He knows will receive Him. That is not magic. That is relationship.
Prayer
Father, thank You for the signs that point us to You — baptism, communion, gathering, remembering. But thank You even more for the reality behind them: Your Spirit, Your life, Your love drawing us into unity with You. Teach us to see clearly and walk gently in the truth You reveal. Make us One, as You and Your Son are One. Amen.
