What is the importance of Jesus' baptism? Why was He baptized?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Jesus Christ’s baptism by John the Baptist (Matthew 3:3) was significant in ways that are different from the rest of us. Since Jesus was the spotless “Lamb of God” (John 1:29), He wasn’t in need of getting baptized as an act of repentance like John the Baptist’s followers were, since He was without sin. In fact, John argued that Jesus should baptize him instead (Matthew 3:14). However, when Jesus insisted that John follow through with the baptism, John relented, and it was immediately thereafter that the uniqueness of each Person of the Trinity was expressed, since Jesus, the Spirit, and the voice of God the Father all appeared at one time (Matthew 3:16–17). Jesus’ baptism was also important because it revealed a new aspect of His humanity. Even though He was fully God, He was also fully human, and as such, partook in earthly acts like baptism. This set an example for future converts to follow (Matthew 28:18–20).

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• The importance of Jesus’ baptism is not mentioned in the Old Testament.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• A first reason that explains why Jesus chose to be baptized is that He sought to make a clear connection with John the Baptist. John was the "voice of one crying in the wilderness" (Matthew 3:3), who served as the Elijah who was to come. As the one to announce the Messiah, it was fitting for him to dedicate Jesus for His public ministry. At first, even John the Baptist sought to dismiss Jesus’ request for baptism, saying, "I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?" (Matthew 3:14). John questioned Jesus because he recognized Him as the spotless Lamb of God (John 1:29) who did not need to be baptized. However, in Matthew 3:15, John consented to baptizing Him after Jesus instructed, "Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.”
• A second reason for Jesus’ baptism is that it connected the humanity of Jesus with the rest of humanity. Though Jesus was without sin, He took on the form of a man and identified with human experiences. This even included His experience of being baptized—a practice He would later command of all His followers (Matthew 28:18–20).
• Thirdly, Jesus’ baptism provided an example He expected other believers to follow. In Matthew 28:18–20, we read, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." Jesus began His public ministry with baptism, and He ended it with a command for His disciples to baptize others.
• Lastly, the baptism of Jesus provided an explicit event in the New Testament involving all three members of the Triune God. Matthew 3:16–17 says, "And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; and behold, a voice from heaven said, 'This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.'"

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

John the Baptist provided a baptism that served as a sign of repentance, so it is understandable that he balked at the idea of baptizing Jesus since He was fully perfect and without sin (Hebrews 4:15). However, the baptism of Jesus included enormous theological significance. It affirmed Jesus as the Messiah whom John spoke of, revealed the humanity of Jesus, provided an example for others, and displayed a beautiful picture of the Triune God among the earliest followers of Jesus. Today, we should take after the example of Jesus, pursuing baptism for ourselves. We can also evangelize to others, baptizing those who believe in Jesus in "the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19).

UNDERSTAND

• Jesus’ baptism affirmed His connection to John the Baptist’s prophetic ministry and marked the beginning of His public mission as the Messiah.
• Jesus’ baptism revealed His full identification with humanity, setting an example for future believers to follow even though He was without sin.
• Jesus’ baptism publicly displayed the Trinity.

REFLECT

• How does Jesus’ willingness to be baptized, even though He was sinless, shape the way you view humility and obedience?
• How have you followed Jesus’ example through baptism, and what did that moment mean for your walk with God?
• How does seeing Jesus identify with humanity through baptism help you trust Him more deeply in your daily struggles?

ENGAGE

• What does Jesus’ baptism reveal about the relationship between His divinity and humanity, and how does that impact our understanding of who He is?
• How can the visible presence of the Trinity at Jesus’ baptism deepen our understanding of God's nature and mission?
• How might Jesus’ example of baptism shape the way we talk about and practice baptism in our churches today?