Theological Term of the Week

baptism of Jesus
John the Baptist’s baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River at the beginning of his ministry.

• From scripture:

Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him. John would have prevented him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented. And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:13-17 ESV).

• From ESV Bible study notes on Matthew 3:15:

Jesus’ baptism inaugurates his ministry and fulfills God’s saving activity prophesied throughout the OT, culminating with his death on the cross (cf. John 1:31–34). In so doing, Jesus also endorses John’s ministry and message and links his mission to John’s. Although he needed no repentance or cleansing, Jesus identifies with the sinful people he came to save through his substitutionary life and death (cf. 2 Cor. 5:21).

• From The Gospel According to Luke by Leon Morris:

It is at first sight puzzling that Jesus should have accepted baptism at the hands of John, for this baptism was ‘a baptism of repentance’. Since Luke depicts Jesus as without sin it is not obvious why he tells us He was baptized in this way. But Jesus saw sinners flocking to John’s baptism. Clearly He decided to take His place with them. At the outset of His ministry He publicly identified Himself with the sinners He came to save.

Learn more:

1. From Scripture: In addition to Matthew 3:13-17 quoted above, see Mark 1:9-11 and Luke 3:21-22.
2. GotQuestions.org: Why was Jesus baptized?
3. Allen Ross: The Baptism of Jesus
4. Brian Borgman: The Baptism of Jesus (audio)
5. John MacArthur: Why Was Jesus Baptized? and The Significance of Jesus’s Baptism (video)

Related terms:

• crucifixion (of Christ)
• temptation of Jesus 
• Transfiguration, the
• virgin birth

Filed under Person, Work and Teachings of Christ

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