Why Was Jesus Baptized?

Question: Why did Jesus, the sinless son of God, submit Himself to be baptized?

The Purpose of Jesus’ Baptism

First we must understand the baptism of John.

John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. A decision to chage.

Baptism is a sign of identification with the ministry of John.

John was the forerunner of the Messiah that had been prophesied.

Jesus was baptized to “fulfill all righteousness”. He completed the Father’s will.

The Pattern of Jesus’ Baptism

His baptism was an example for us.

Jesus’ baptism inaugurated the baptism of regeneration by the Spirit.

We follow his example as a first step of obedience after salvation.

He was immersed - when he came up out the water.

Immediately the Spirit descended.

John bore witness of the Spirit’s presence upon Jesus

He was led by the Spirit into the wilderness (went in the fulness and returned in power according to Luke).

More importantly, the Father bore witness of the Son’s identity.

Jesus now baptizes with the Holy Spirit and with fire. It is a cleansing from within, not without. It is a baptism of regeneration.