Have you ever tried to give someone a gift and they refused to receive it? Have you ever offered an apology that has been knocked back? That’s happens to me too. If you are like me, you probably find it hard to accept. It’s hard enough for us to offer an apology – but when we are knocked back it can double down on us, even causing us to question our motives: whether or not we really want this for the other person or is it something for our own wellbeing? Perhaps both?
Jesus has a gift to give and he engages his church to deliver the gift.
The gift is baptism.
Peter made it loud and clear as he encountered unbelieving and unbaptised people:  Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.! (Acts 2:38)
Jesus sends his church out with this command:go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the father and of the son and of the Holy Spirit.  (end of Matt. 28)
Jesus offers it because everyone needs it – whether we or they realize it or not. We are all sinners in need of the washing and cleansing power of Baptism. Like us, most people probably find it really hard to admit to sin – let alone admit the one who would deliver them from sin into their lives.
We know people who need this gift but don’t realise it. It’s a challenge to know how best to both make the most of this gift in our own lives and to share the gift into the lives of other people.
Lord: show us who and how, so that we can be your living, inviting presence in the world.