It's all about Jesus: His Baptism (Pt. 1)

(Part 1 of 2)

“As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”-Matthew 3:15-17.

Jesus’ baptism would prove once again to be yet another milestone in his life. His baptism would mark the beginning of his earthly ministry. Galatians 4:4 tells us that Jesus was born under law to redeem those under the law. Because he was born into a Jewish family, we see glimpses of him fulfilling the law throughout various phases of his life. He was circumcised at eight days old, consecrated 40 days after his birth, and at age 12 we find him in the temple celebrating Passover. He also followed the law when it came to beginning his earthly ministry.

Numbers 4:30 states that those involved in the priestly ministry would begin their service at the age of 30. Luke 3:23 tells us:

“Now Jesus himself was about thirty years old when he began his ministry.”

The baptism of Jesus would serve as his inauguration at which his ministry would be confirmed before both God and men. It would also serve to be a model for all those who would put their faith in him.

When Jesus approached John the Baptist, it is evident from Matthew 3:13-15 that John was hesitant about baptizing Jesus:

“Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. But John tried to deter him saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented.”

John felt as if he should be baptized by Jesus, rather than him baptizing the Son of God. Nevertheless, Jesus declared that it was proper for him to be baptized by John to fulfill all righteousness.

One reason that it was appropriate for John to baptize Jesus was because it served to fulfill the law. Leviticus 16:4 describes how a priest was to prepare himself to minister before the Lord:

“He is to put on the sacred linen tunic, with linen undergarments next to his body; he is to tie the linen sash around him and put on the linen turban. These are sacred garments; so he must bathe himself in water before putting them on.”

Priests were to immerse themselves in water prior to putting on the sacred garments which identified them as priests. Before Jesus began his priestly ministry on earth, he too immersed himself in water in keeping with the law.

Pastor Scott Burr

Dayspring Community Church