Why is baptism necessary for disciples of Christ?

Baptism is crucial for disciples because it serves as an outward expression of an inward faith, symbolizing the believer's identification with the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus commands His disciples to make more disciples and baptize them, indicating its importance in the process of discipleship. Failure to embrace baptism can be seen as a reluctance to obey Christ’s command, thus raising questions about one's discipleship. It's a vital step in publicly affirming one's faith and commitment to following Christ.