BAPTISM OF JESUS
WHY DID HE CHOOSE TO RECEIVE BAPTISM FROM JOHN?
1. Fulfillment of Righteousness
Biblical Reference:
– Matthew 3:13-15: “Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. But John tried to deter him, saying, ‘I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?’ Jesus replied, ‘Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.’ Then John consented.”
Meaning and Significance:
Jesus’ baptism signifies His commitment to fully obey God’s will, fulfilling all righteousness. This act of submission emphasizes the importance of obedience to God’s plan, demonstrating that Jesus was dedicated to fulfilling the prophecies about Him.
Message for Christians:
Jesus’ baptism illustrates the necessity of adhering to God’s will, even when it seems unnecessary or unclear. Christians are encouraged to seek and follow God’s plan with the same dedication.
2. Identification with Humanity
Biblical References:
– Matthew 3:13-15 (as above)
– 2 Corinthians 5:21: “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”
– Hebrews 4:15: “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are – yet he did not sin.”
Meaning and Significance:
By submitting to baptism, Jesus humbled Himself and identified with sinful humanity, despite being sinless. This act of humility and solidarity with humanity is a profound example of God’s love and identification with His creation.
Message for Christians:
Christians are called to follow Jesus’ example of humility, recognizing their need for God’s grace and showing solidarity with others.
3. Beginning of Public Ministry
Biblical Reference:
– Luke 3:23: “Now Jesus himself was about thirty years old when he began his ministry.”
Meaning and Significance:
Jesus’ baptism marked the start of His public ministry. It was a public declaration of His mission and purpose, setting the stage for His teachings, miracles, and eventual sacrifice.
Message for Christians:
Baptism signifies the beginning of a new life and mission in Christ. Just as Jesus began His ministry after His baptism, Christians are empowered to begin their spiritual journey and service to others following their baptism.
4. Trinitarian Revelation
Biblical Reference:
– Matthew 3:16-17: “As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.'”
Meaning and Significance:
The baptism of Jesus uniquely revealed the Trinity: the Father’s voice, the Son being baptized, and the Holy Spirit descending. This event provided a clear demonstration of the Trinity, a fundamental doctrine of Christian faith.
Message for Christians:
Understanding and embracing the Trinity is crucial for Christians. Jesus’ baptism reinforces this doctrine, encouraging believers to live in the unity and power of the Triune God.
5. Confirmation of Jesus’ Identity
Biblical Reference:
– John 1:32-34: “Then John gave this testimony: ‘I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him. And I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, “The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.” I have seen and I testify that this is God’s Chosen One.'”
Meaning and Significance:
God the Father’s voice confirmed Jesus’ divine identity during His baptism. This supernatural experience assured John the Baptist and others of Jesus’ messianic role.
Message for Christians:
Baptism is a public declaration of faith and identity in Christ. Just as Jesus’ identity was affirmed, Christians receive affirmation of their new identity in Christ through baptism.
Conclusion
The baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist is a significant event in Christian theology, recorded in all four Gospels (Mt 3:13-17, Mk 1:9-11, Lk 3:21-22, Jn 1:29-34). This event carries profound meanings and messages for Christians:
– Fulfillment of Righteousness: Demonstrates Jesus’ obedience to God’s will.
– Identification with Humanity: Shows Jesus’ humility and solidarity with humanity.
– Beginning of Public Ministry: Marks the start of Jesus’ mission.
– Trinitarian Revelation: Reveals the Trinity.
– Confirmation of Jesus’ Identity: Affirms Jesus as the Messiah.
REFLECTION
For Christians today, Jesus’ baptism remains a source of profound theological insight and practical spiritual guidance. It serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience, humility, and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit in their own lives and ministries.