Baptism in the Gospels (2)

Washing was the means of achieving ritual purity

Ex 30:19–20; Mk 7:3–4 The Greek word here translated “wash” is “baptizo”, from which the English “baptise” comes.

Sprinkling with water symbolises spiritual cleansing

Ezekiel 36:25 NKJV

Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols.

See also Zec 13:1; Heb 10:22

Being baptised by John was a confession that cleansing was needed

Matthew 3:11 NKJV

I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.

See also Mt 3:6; Mk 1:4–5; Ac 19:1–4

John promised that the Messiah would cleanse with the baptism of the Holy Spirit

Matthew 3:11 NKJV

I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.

See also Is 44:3; Eze 36:25–26

Baptism involves both water and the Holy Spirit

John 3:5 NKJV

Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.

The disciples of Jesus Christ baptised like John’s

Jn 3:22–23; Jn 4:1

Jesus Christ was baptised by John

Matthew 3:13–17 NKJV

Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. And John tried to prevent Him, saying, “I need to be baptized by You, and are You coming to me?” But Jesus answered and said to him, “Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he allowed Him. When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”