Anything for Relationship (Baptism Sunday)
Preacher: Leandri Erasmus
Worship:
Play “I’ve Witnessed It” by Passion or “The Mighty Name of Jesus” (if still fresh from previous Sundays).
As the song plays, reflect on this question:
What have you witnessed in your own story that reminds you how personal and relational God is?
Check-in:
This Sunday we celebrated baptisms – moments where people publicly said yes to Jesus.
What’s one moment in your faith journey that helped you see God in a more personal or relational way?
Synopsis of message:
Leandri shared how Jesus did what He didn’t have to – He chose relationship over convenience.
This is the heart behind baptism.
Jesus’ whole life shows us that He is deeply relational. He chose to:
- Be baptised, even though He was sinless – to identify with us
- Be tested in the wilderness – so we would know He understands what we face
- Call God “Father” – showing us God is personal, not distant
- Go to the Cross – proving there’s nothing He wouldn’t do to restore relationship with us
This message was a reminder that God sees every detail of our lives and still chooses us. He wants relationship – not performance, not perfection – just us.
Scripture Focus:
- Matthew 3:13 – 17
- Isaiah 61:1
- Hebrews 2:18
- Isaiah 41:10
- Colossians 1:21 – 22
- John 15:15
Discussion Questions:
- Jesus Chose to Identify With Us
- Why do you think Jesus insisted on being baptised, even though He didn’t need to repent?
- What does it mean to you that Jesus understands your humanness – your struggles, your pain, your weakness?
- Jesus Is Personal, Not Distant
- Leandri shared how Jesus called God “Father” – what impact does that have on how you relate to Him?
- Do you find it easy or hard to relate to God as a loving Father? Why?
- Jesus Went to the Cross for Relationship
- Think about the line: “Jesus didn’t have to, but He chose to.” What part of that truth is hard for you to fully believe or receive?
- How can we remind each other this week that we are fully known and still fully loved?
- A Step of Obedience
- If you haven’t been baptised yet – what’s holding you back? Is it fear, uncertainty, questions, or something else?
- What would it take for you to take that next step?
Leaders: Be sensitive. This is a moment to gently encourage, not pressure. Let it be a space for honesty and openness.
Prayer Moment:
Take a moment of stillness. Invite the group to hold their hands open – a posture of surrender.
Pray together:
“Jesus, thank You that You chose relationship over convenience. Thank You for walking our road, carrying our pain, and taking our place. Today we receive Your love again. Help us to trust that we’re seen, known, and loved by You – even in the messy parts of our story.”
Next Step:
Take time this week to reflect:
What’s one way I can respond to Jesus’ invitation to relationship?
That may be prayer, journaling, a moment of surrender – or signing up for baptism.
If you haven’t been baptised yet, talk to your Life Group leader or sign up on edgechurch.co.za. It may be time to say yes.
