Why did Jesus choose to be baptized by John in Matthew 3:13? Setting the Scene “Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John.” (Matthew 3:13) John’s Baptism and Mission • John preached “a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins” (Mark 1:4). • He prepared the way for the Lord, fulfilling Isaiah 40:3 and Malachi 3:1. • Crowds confessed sins (Matthew 3:5-6) and looked for the promised Messiah (John 1:19-23). Why Jesus Chose to Be Baptized by John • To fulfill all righteousness – “Let it be so now; it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness in this way.” (Matthew 3:15) – He perfectly obeyed every divine requirement (Psalm 40:7-8; Hebrews 10:7-10). • To identify fully with sinful humanity – Though “He committed no sin” (1 Peter 2:22), He “was numbered with the transgressors” (Isaiah 53:12). – “God made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf.” (2 Corinthians 5:21) • To affirm and authenticate John’s prophetic ministry – Jesus later asks, “Was John’s baptism from heaven or from men?” (Matthew 21:25). – By submitting to John, He stamped divine approval on the forerunner’s call to repentance. • To inaugurate His public ministry with clear Trinitarian revelation – After baptism “the heavens were opened,” the Spirit descended, and the Father declared, “This is My beloved Son.” (Matthew 3:16-17) – The event publicly unveiled Messiah’s identity and mission. • To foreshadow His death, burial, and resurrection – Baptism pictures immersion into death and rising to new life (Romans 6:3-4; Colossians 2:12). – His Jordan plunge prefigured the greater baptism of the cross (Luke 12:50). • To model obedience for every believer – He later commands, “Make disciples… baptizing them.” (Matthew 28:19) – By leading first, He provides the pattern we follow in faith and submission. What We Learn from Jesus’ Baptism • God’s righteous plan is fulfilled as we submit to His Word. • The Savior stands with us, not distant from us. • True ministry is validated by heavenly affirmation, not human applause. • Our baptism unites us with Christ’s death and resurrection realities. • Obedience, humility, and public identification with God’s purposes mark genuine discipleship. |
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