Stepping In, Stepping Up: Jesus’ Baptism & What It Means for Us Today – Perspectives FUMCSD Pastors Podcast, Season 3, Episode 17
Jan 11, 2026
Summary
What does baptism really mean—and why was Jesus baptized at all? That’s what Revs. Trudy and Brittany tackle in this episode of Perspectivs FUMCSD Pastors Podcast. The two female pastors of First United Methodist Church of San Diego explore Jesus’ baptism in Matthew 3:13–17 through a progressive Christian lens. Together, they reflect on baptism as both a risk we take when we step toward God and a commitment we live out as we step back into the world.
Detail
What does baptism really mean—and why was Jesus baptized at all? That’s what Revs. Trudy and Brittany tackle in this episode of Perspectivs FUMCSD Pastors Podcast.
The two female pastors of First United Methodist Church of San Diego explore Jesus’ baptism in Matthew 3:13–17 through a progressive Christian lens. Together, they reflect on baptism as both a risk we take when we step toward God and a commitment we live out as we step back into the world.
This thoughtful conversation explores the dynamic relationship between Jesus and John the Baptist, the symbolism of the Jordan River, and why Jesus’ baptism wasn’t about sin but about solidarity, humility, and embarking on a new chapter. The pastors also unpack why the baptism ritual still matters today, especially in progressive faith communities.
Whether you identify as Christian, spiritual-but-not-religious, or are simply curious about faith beyond dogma, this episode invites you to reimagine baptism as a reminder that you are already loved and still being called forward. Episode topics include:
- Why Jesus insisted on being baptized
- Repentance vs. transformation
- Water, movement, and new life
- Is baptism required for salvation?
- Communal ritual and remembering our baptism today
Continue the conversation with friends and family, at our in-person Convergence group, or online at our Patreon channel with these suggested reflection and discussion questions:
- What do you believe is the connection between sin and new life?
- What do we gain, and what do we lose, in the belief that Jesus was sinless?
- Why do you think Jesus was baptized by God?
Short on time? Use these timestamps to jump to a specific topic:
00:00 What Does Baptism Change? Introducing “Stepping In, Stepping Up
02:40 Jesus and John the Baptist: Cousins, Calling, and Possible Rivalry
05:30 Repentance vs. Transformation: Naming Problems and Living Solutions
08:00 Baptism in Jesus’ Time: Who It Was For and Why the Jordan River Matters
10:40 The Power of Water: Movement, Disorientation, and Renewal
11:45 Why Was Jesus Baptized If He Was Divine?
17:30 What Baptism Means Today: Commitment, Not Cleansing
22:40 Remembering Our Baptism in Community
26:30 Reflection Questions for Today
