The Baptism of the Lord

While John was baptizing others in the Jordan, Jesus came to be baptized by Him.

Ritual cleansing in ancient Hebrew rights symbolized the need to be purified of sin and rest in God’s favor.

One washed before going to the Tent of Meeting (the Tabernacle & after presenting sacrifices before anyone approached the Altar of the Lord.

One could not come into the proper worship setting without first cleansing themselves.

Pharisaic Jews only baptized Jews.

John baptized everyone into repentance to prepare the way of the Messiah.

Isaiah prophesied that the Messiah would be born from the stump of Jesse

(a descendent of lower stature; as opposed to David)

Isaiah declared, “The spirit of the Lord shall rest on him.”

This resting of the Spirit would bring wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge, and reverent fear of the Lord.

The Messiah would come with the Spirit to “judge for the poor and decide equity for the oppressed.”

Judging by what is true and knowing how to respond in all situations rightly.

The Messiah would put on righteousness and faithfulness as well-suited clothing.

To be righteous is to observe all the ordinances of God (to do all that God desires of us and nothing that God does not).

But John wasn’t about to baptize Jesus.

If John saw Jesus as the Messiah, then Jesus would not need to be baptized.

While John did not recognize the need for Jesus to be baptized, he understood his need to be cleansed.

Like John, we might reflect upon the purity of God and see our tarnished selves.

While some might float with hope, others may be drowning in guilt and shame.

We might not yet be able to see how things can be different, so we need others to come alongside us to show us the way.

We need to be cleansed by the water and Spirit, and together we follow Christ’s example.

Jesus answered, “it is proper for us in this way to fulfill all righteousness.”

There are no Messianic passages that refer to the Messiah being baptized.

Jesus left this answer ambiguous, but there is a clue in his words.

Matthew recounts Jesus using the word plēroun an active word that expresses God’s will in action.

It was God’s will for Jesus to be baptized by John in this way, at this time.

Accepting this reason, John consented to baptize Jesus.

When Jesus came out of the water, something unique occurred.

“The heavens were opened to him, and he saw God’s Spirit descending like a dove and alighting [or perching] on him.” - vs. 16

All four Gospels agree upon this.

The Spirit did not come upon his forcefully but gently, like a dove.

Though Jesus was said by Matthew to be of the Holy Spirit from birth, this was a sign of him filling up with great power by the Spirit.

By the fullness of the Spirit, Jesus would be able to fend off, attack, and overcome the evil one.

Not only that, but “a voice from the heavens said, ‘This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.’” - vs. 17

The Father claimed Jesus as “my Son, the Beloved” from Isaiah 42:1

None other is claimed with such intimacy.

By having his identity declared in this way, Jesus would be assured of the Father’s favor, and act faithfully in his name.

Jesus would know that the kingdom of God was close at hand, and this is that he preached.

Jesus is the Word of God become flesh come for our salvation.

Jesus was anointed by baptism into his divine ministry as the Suffering Servant.

Jesus, our true king, gave himself as the suffering servant that we all might be cleansed from sin and receive the Holy Spirit to enable us to grow into his goodness and loving-kindness.

Titus makes the work of the Holy Spirit in Jesus Christ plain.

Titus 3:4–7 NRSVue

4 But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of any works of righteousness that we had done, but according to his mercy, through the water of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit. 6 This Spirit he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

We start afresh through loving affirmation and cleansing power of the Holy Spirit given to us by Jesus Christ.

We get to begin again having been renewed by the Spirit.

God sees you. God knows you. All of who you are. And God calls you to Him, because He loves you.

God calls you with love and to love.

If you go to him, you will receive the Spirit of wisdom, understanding, good counsel and strength, in knowledge and reverence of Him, that you might be found righteous and faithful to the end.

Those who have been baptized by water and Spirit, remember your baptism and be renewed.

If you have not been baptized, come as you are, and let the Holy One make you clean.