The Baptism of Jesus

In Jesus’ case this involved identifying with the messianic community John had founded by submitting to its rite of initiation. Convinced that the ministry and baptism of John were divinely ordained, he sought to identify himself with this “righteous” movement.

If Jesus was not in need of repentence (vs 4-5) why did he go to John for baptism?

This event has several significances for Christ and forces us to make a decision about who Jesus was.

Significance of Approval (9)

Jesus came to validate John’s ministry

Jesus knew that John was sent from God (John 1:6-8)

Jesus validating John’s ministry validated his own ministry (John 1:35-37)

Jesus came to receive baptism as a supporter of John

If John was sent by God then he was worthy to give support to

Noone could say that Jesus and John were not in agreement

Mark 11:27-33 challenge to the pharisees

Significance of Authority (10)

By the voice of John the prophet sent from God, Jesus is proclaimed as the Lamb of God

Those committed to the work of God began from this point to follow Christ

From the beginning, John pointed men to another (John 1:19-28)

I only baptize with water, Christ will do much more

God showed that he also gives authority to Jesus

The Spirit of God came upon him

Isaiah 11:2, 42:1, 61:1

The heavens were ripped open

Showing a start of something new

A new connection with God, just as the curtain was ripped when Christ died on the cross

Significance of Obedience (11)

He was the Son of God

As the son, He follows the command of the father

Baptism is about obedience

Required for obedience, not salvation

Just as we have done, Jesus began his ministry of obedience to God with baptism

After this the testing

God was pleased with Jesus in baptism

All Jesus did, He did for the glory of God

he was an obedient man

Romans 5:19 obedience of one

Philippians 2:8-9 obedient to death

Hebrews 5:8 learned obedience, one step at a time, first baptism, then the wilderness, then the cross