Why was Jesus baptized by John the Baptist? The incredible story of Jesus’ baptism by John in the River Jordan reveals a God of love who came to earth as a human being and connected with the people He created. If our Savior offered salvation to sinners like us, He needed to identify with the people He was trying to reach.
Jesus did this by surrendering to John’s baptism of repentance and forgiveness, although Jesus was without sin. During His baptism, God showed His love for Him in a powerful way. Matthew 3:16 After his baptism, as Jesus came up out of the water, the heavens were opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and settling on him. 17 And a voice from heaven said, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy.”[1] By being baptized, Jesus acknowledged God’s claim on Him just as others had been baptized and dedicated themselves to God through a life of holiness.
Jesus Commissions His Followers Through Baptism
Baptism is one way Jesus commissions his followers to make disciples. Matthew 28:19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” [2]
Baptism is also the center of the Gospel preached by Peter on Pentecost when the Lord sent the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:38 Peter replied, “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then, you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.[3]
John Questioned Why He Needed to Baptize Jesus
John \was puzzled when Jesus came to be baptized. He told Jesus that it should be the other way around; Jesus should baptize him. Matthew 3:15 But Jesus said, “It should be done, for we must carry out all that God requires.” So John agreed to baptize him. [4]
Jesus’ baptism symbolizes our union with God. God Himself stepped onto this earth in the form of Jesus to become sin for us. Symbolically, John’s baptism washed away the sins of the people. Jesus walked into the same water. Even though He was sinless and did not need to repent, our sins were poured on Him on the cross. Only through Jesus’ death and resurrection can our sins be forgiven.
When we come to faith, we can be thankful our Lord stepped into our sinful lives to rescue us. Psalm 40: 1 I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry. 2 He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along. [5]
Why was Jesus baptized? To learn more, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/john-prepares-the-way
[1-5] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Tyndale House Publishers.