The baptism of Jesus

”When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” (Luke 3:21, 22).

Taking into consideration the events recorded by Luke so far, Jesus’ birth, namely Jesus at the Temple; Jesus’ baptism and the genealogy it is necessary to point out that they confirm Jesus’ humanity.

Jesus, being fully human…He had to grow, to learn…that is to go through normal stages of development.

“For this reason he had to be made like his brothers in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people” (Heb. 2:17).

Contemplating the incarnational aspect of Christ’s person and ministry, Paul put it this way, “…but (Christ) made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness” (Philippians 2:7).

In Luke’s account of Jesus’ story, with this event, John the Baptist fades into the background. Reading between the lines we can say that Jesus’ baptism marks the climax of John’s ministry; and the beginning of Jesus’ ministry.

The big question of this passage is: Why was Jesus baptised?

The short answer is given by Jesus Himself. “Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfil all righteousness.” Then John consented” (Matthew 3:15).

Jesus saw His baptism as an integral part of God’s work on earth through Him. He didn’t need to be baptised. But, in obedience to His heavenly Father, He went through the waters of baptism to identify fully with the sinners He came to save.

The fact that it was “proper” and indeed was part of the “all righteousness” found its confirmation in God’s approval: “You are My Son, whom I love.”