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baptism of Jesus
An important historical event in the life of Jesus in which he was baptized by John the Baptist at the beginning of his public ministry. Accounts of this event are recorded in all four gospels.

In scripture:

[13] Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him. [14] John would have prevented him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” [15] But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented. [16] 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; [17] and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:13–17 ESV)

From the ESV Study Bible 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).

Learn more:

Bible Study Tools: Baptism of Jesus (includes the accounts from all four gospels)
Got Questions: Why was Jesus baptized?
Ligonier Ministries: Jesus Baptism in the Jordon
Jonathan Pennington: Why Did Jesus Need to Be Baptized?
Alistair Begg: The Baptism of Jesus (audio)

Related terms:

1 From Systematic Theology by Louis Berkhof

Filed under Person, Work, and Teaching of Christ

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