The Lord’s baptism is of such importance that each gospel writer has left a record of it. Mark and Luke provide sparse details, while Matthew and John use Jesus’ bapttism to strongly affirm His deity and offer an authoritative example of baptism for all who wish to serve God.
Introductory Matters about Jesus’ Baptism
In the gospel penned by John the son of Zebedee, we read the words of John the Baptist, who said, “I did not know Him” (John 1:31, 33). It is not that John did not know Jesus of Nazareth; their mothers were relatives (Luke 1:36). They have may met each other on several occasions. John did not know Him as the Son of God, but God told him that he would see the Spirit descend and remain upon Him so that He might be revealed. As a result, John was able to affirm to his disciples as he pointed them to Jesus, “I have seen and testified that this is the Son of God” (John 1:34). God used Jesus’ baptism to manifest His Son to the world.
Matthew presents four lessons in succession in his account (Matthew 3:14-17). Let us consider the example and attitude of both John and Jesus, as well as how the Father responds to those who obey His will.
Baptized In Christ
When Jesus approached John to be baptized, John tried to prevent Him. He said, “I need to be baptized by You, and are You coming to me?” (Matthew 3:14). This is a wonderful acknowledgement by John. He didn’t have an elevated sense of self-worth, since Jesus was coming to him, but realized that he needed the Lord, not vice versa.
Every person alive needs to come to the Lord to receive His baptism. The Lord would command His disciples, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19).
The apostle Peter would eventually compare the effect of baptism in water for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38) with the water of the flood in the days of Noah. “Moved with godly fear,” Noah “prepared an ark” (Hebrews 11:7), whereby he and his family were saved. These “eight souls were saved through water,” and thus Peter used them to speak of “an antitype which now saves us – baptism” (1 Peter 3:21). Those who refuse to be baptized in the name of the Lord deny themselves salvation. Paul said if “we were buried with him through baptism into death,” then “we also should walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:3-4).
Jesus’ Baptism Was Fitting
John did not understand why Jesus needed to be baptized. The Lord did not go to great lengths to explain, but simply said, “It is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness” (Matthew 3:15).
What did He mean? Why was He being baptized? How did Jesus’ baptism fulfill all righteousness? Jesus had no sins for which He needed forgiveness, for “He was tempted in all points as we are, yet without sin” (Hebrews 4:15).
Though not part of Moses’ law, God authorized John’s baptism. Thus, to show a perfect example of obedience, it was fitting that Jesus should submit to it. Seeing Jesus’ willingness to submit to every ordinance of God, we also ought to do the same.
John’s baptism is not valid today; rather we must be “baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Acts 19:3-5). If folks refuse to be baptized, as commanded by the Lord (Mark 16:16), they disregard the example which Jesus left for us and reject the salvation which He seeks to give to those who come in faithful obedience.
The Spirit of God
When He was baptized, the Spirit of God came upon Jesus (Matthew 3:16). Afterward, Jesus is described as “being filled with the Holy Spirit” (Luke 4:1).
When we are baptized according to the Bible pattern and added to the Lord’s church (Acts 4:41, 47), we also receive the Spirit (Acts 2:38; Romans 5:5; 8:9; 2 Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 1:13). But, if we’ve not followed His example to be immersed in water for the forgiveness of our sins, we do not have the Spirit of God dwelling in us, no matter how spiritual we may be. Only baptized believers have the Spirit of God.
God Was Pleased with Jesus’ Baptism
Finally, notice the reaction from heaven to Jesus’ baptism – God said He was pleased with Him. We too can have God’s approval, if we will obey His will (Matthew 7:21; Luke 6:46). Amogn the things He commands is that we be baptized (Acts 2:38; 10:48; cf. Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:16).
Will you obey the Lord, be baptized unto the forgiveness of sins, and receive the Spirit of God?
Links: YouVersion | GROW magazine
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