Is Water Baptism Really Necessary?

Jesus’ instructions for those who follow Him seem very strange sometimes. Before He returns to the Father, He tells His immediate followers to go everywhere and make disciples. That is, gather people together and help people know what it means to follow Jesus, and then help them receive the life He promised. But then baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit and pass on everything He taught them. We understand ‘gather’ and we understand ‘teach’… but dunk people in water in front of others? Why? That’s actually a great question! The answer is the best news!