17. John baptizes Jesus
– Matthew 3:13-17; Mark 1:9-11; Luke 3:21-22
Matthew 3:15 “Jesus replied, ‘Let it be so ow; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.”
Jesus never sinned. He did not need to be baptized to show repentance. Instead, he was baptized to “fulfill all righteousness”. The baptism was part of God’s plan for Jesus while on earth. Jesus’ baptism was the initial form of him taking on the sins of the people around him. He also led as an example to those who heard about his baptism. It showed that God approves and encourages baptisms. During this time, the Pharisees were critical of the baptisms because they didn’t want to acknowledge their faults. Baptisms are not only an outward expression of what is happening in your heart, but also a humbling act to God. It is acknowledging and giving credit to God for saving you.
Matthew 3:16-17 “As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and they saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”
When Jesus was baptized, all three of the holy trinity were present. Jesus the son was baptized, God the father spoke, and the Holy Spirit descended upon Jesus. God is all three in one yet each take on a different form. One is not greater than another nor is one less than another. All are all-powerful. All have created you. Jesus’ death helped restore your relationship with the father. While the Holy Spirit allows you to speak directly with the father while on earth. During Jesus’ baptism, the father publically tells the people how precious his son is to him. The sky opened up, light flooded onto Jesus as the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove, and the father’s voice thundered. Jesus’ baptism was the start of his ministry on earth. It was not easy for God to send his son here to earth. But he did it anyway because you are worth it.
