Topical Bible: John: Baptizes Jesus

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Introduction

John the Baptist, a pivotal figure in the New Testament, is renowned for his role in baptizing Jesus Christ. This event is a significant moment in Christian theology, marking the commencement of Jesus' public ministry. John, a prophet and forerunner of the Messiah, is described as a voice crying in the wilderness, preparing the way for the Lord (Isaiah 40:3; Matthew 3:3).

Background

John the Baptist was born to Zechariah and Elizabeth, both of whom were righteous before God (Luke 1:5-6). His birth was foretold by the angel Gabriel, who announced that John would be filled with the Holy Spirit from the womb and would turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God (Luke 1:15-16). John lived a life of asceticism in the Judean wilderness, wearing garments of camel's hair and subsisting on locusts and wild honey (Matthew 3:4).

The Baptism of Jesus

The baptism of Jesus by John is recorded in the Synoptic Gospels: Matthew 3:13-17, Mark 1:9-11, and Luke 3:21-22. In the Gospel of John, the event is alluded to through John's testimony (John 1:29-34). Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan River to be baptized by John. Initially, John was reluctant, recognizing Jesus' sinlessness and expressing that he needed to be baptized by Jesus instead (Matthew 3:14). However, Jesus insisted, saying, "Let it be so now; it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness" (Matthew 3:15).

Upon being baptized, Jesus emerged from the water, and the heavens opened. The Spirit of God descended like a dove and alighted on Him. A voice from heaven declared, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased" (Matthew 3:17). This divine affirmation confirmed Jesus' identity and mission, marking the beginning of His public ministry.

Theological Significance

The baptism of Jesus holds profound theological significance. It symbolizes Jesus' identification with humanity's sinfulness, despite His own sinlessness. By undergoing baptism, Jesus affirmed the importance of repentance and righteousness. The event also serves as a manifestation of the Holy Trinity: the Father's voice, the Son being baptized, and the Holy Spirit descending as a dove.

John's role in baptizing Jesus underscores his prophetic mission as the forerunner of the Messiah. His declaration, "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world" (John 1:29), highlights Jesus' redemptive purpose. John's ministry of baptism for repentance prepared the hearts of the people for the coming of Christ.

Conclusion

The baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist is a cornerstone event in the New Testament narrative. It signifies the inauguration of Jesus' ministry and His commitment to fulfilling God's redemptive plan. Through this act, Jesus exemplified humility and obedience, setting a precedent for His followers. John's faithful execution of his prophetic role paved the way for the revelation of Jesus as the Son of God and the Savior of the world.

Nave's Topical Index

Matthew 3:13-16
Then comes Jesus from Galilee to Jordan to John, to be baptized of him.
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Mark 1:9-11
And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan.
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Luke 3:21,22
Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened,
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John 1:32
And John bore record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it stayed on him.
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Library

Jordan Means "Their Going Down. " Spiritual Meanings and ...
... Hence, he who receives the Spirit abiding on Jesus Himself is able to baptize those
who come to him in that abiding Spirit. But John baptizes beyond Jordan, in ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of john/25 jordan means their going.htm

Of the Date of his Departure into Galilee.
... furnishes the following notice: "When, therefore, Jesus knew how the Pharisees had
heard that Jesus makes and baptizes more disciples than John (though Jesus ...
/.../augustine/the harmony of the gospels/chapter xviii of the date of.htm

Whether those who had Been Baptized with John's Baptism had to be ...
... for it is written (Jn.4:2) that "Jesus did not ... 3: Further, he who is baptized is
less than he who baptizes. But we are not told that John himself was baptized ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether those who had been.htm

Commentaries and Standards on the Birth of Water and Spirit.
... "John said: I baptize with water; the One coming after baptizes with Spirit; but ...
comprehends two facts, pardon and regeneration, so really did Jesus sum in ...
/.../the new testament commentary vol iii john/commentaries and standards on the.htm

Oration on the Holy Lights.
... XV. But John baptizes, Jesus comes to Him [3964] ...perhaps to sanctify the Baptist
himself, but certainly to bury the whole of the old Adam in the water; and ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xxxix oration on the.htm

The Strong Forerunner and the Stronger Son
... does not dwell on the royalty of Jesus, but rather ... fire of the Holy Ghost, in which
He baptizes. Mark reports only John's preaching and baptism of repentance ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/the strong forerunner and the.htm

In the Narration of that Event Already Mentioned, and Especially ...
... I think, too, we cannot leave out of sight that fire when we read that the Lord
Jesus baptizes with the Holy Spirit and with fire, [718] as John said in his ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter xviii in the narration.htm

Now we must See what is Said of the Baptism of John. ...
... But the Lord Jesus Christ cleanses His Church by such a ... Lord was baptized with the
baptism of John, that He ... the one baptism with which He baptizes might seem ...
/.../writings in connection with the donatist controversy /chapter 9 10 now.htm

Comparison of the Statements of the Four Evangelists Respecting ...
... as thus: "The beginning of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, as ... We find mention made in
John of two orders of ... that of the Pharisees who want to know why he baptizes. ...
/.../origens commentary on the gospel of john/14 comparison of the statements.htm

John Chapter ii. 23-25; iii. 5-Jan
... consider and explain the Gospel according to John in due ... Saith Jesus to him, "Except
a man be born again ... the evil, good; sometimes an adulterer baptizes, and he ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate xi john chapter ii.htm