Lessons from Matthew 3: John the Baptist Baptizes Jesus

We saw in the previous lesson the powerful salvation message of John the Baptist. And now as John is explaining these truths to the people in his presence, here comes Jesus, the Messiah and the Savior of the world.

He tells John to baptize Him and John declares before Jesus and the people that he is not qualified to baptize the Savior of the world. In fact, John suggests that Jesus instead baptize him. But Jesus responds to John by saying it is right, it is fitting in fact, that John baptize Jesus. The purpose is so that all righteousness would be fulfilled upon its completion.

And so John consents.

John the Baptist Baptizes Jesus

This raises the question why did Jesus, the perfect man who knew no sin, need to be baptized? It was not for the public admission of the repentance of sin for He knew none. Then why?

Jesus’s baptism validated the work that John had been given to do. It identified Jesus with His people and sinners, the very people He came to save. And, it ushered in the inauguration of Jesus’s public ministry before the people.

Verse 16 tells us that as soon as Jesus was baptized, he came out of the water. At that moment, heaven opened up and John saw the Holy Spirit descending like a dove and lighting or resting upon Jesus. An official proclamation from heaven came forth, declaring that Jesus was God’s own Son, whom the Father loved and with Him God was well pleased.

Jesus’s baptism presented Him as the long-awaited Messiah and was confirmed by God the Father and the Holy Spirit.

Thus not only John the Baptist, but God our Father bore witness to Jesus Christ as the Son of God, and also as the Lamb of God who would take away the sins of the world.

And because of John’s witness, many sinners trusted in Jesus Christ and thus he fulfilled God’s purpose and plan for his life.

Can the same be said about you?

I’d love to hear your thoughts about our study of Matthew chapter 3.

Terri Hamman

Faith & Fitness Coach