Jesus' Baptism.
At that time Jesus arrived from Galilee and came to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. But John tried to make him change his mind. "I ought to be baptized by you," John said, "and yet you have come to me!" But Jesus answered him, "Let it be so for now. For in this way we shall do all that God requires." So John agreed. As soon as Jesus was baptized, he came up out of the water. Then heaven was opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God coming down like a dove and lighting on him. Then a voice said from heaven, "This is my own dear Son, with whom I am pleased." Matthew 3:13-17 Good News Bible
Jesus being baptised by John has been called a “perfect testimony of grace” because the saviour of the world humbled Himself to identify (see also: Hebrews 4:15-16) with the ordinary people in baptism.i
Even though Jesus was sinless, it was proper for His forerunner, John to show approval of Him in baptism at the beginning of Jesus' ministry.ii “At Christ's baptism there was a manifestation of the three Persons in the sacred Trinity.iii” Jesus, God the Son, God the Father spoke from Heaven and the Spirit came down on Jesus in the form of a dove. This proved to John that Jesus was the Son of God:
John said, "I saw the Spirit come down as a dove from heaven and stay on him. I didn't know who he was. But God, who sent me to baptize with water, had told me, 'When you see the Spirit come down and stay on someone, you'll know that person is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.' I have seen this and have declared that this is the Son of God." John 1:32-34 “God's Word” Translation of the Bible
God showed John that this is the one for whom he was preparing the way, that Jesus was (and is) the saviour of the world (Messiah).
I have referred to several English translations of the Bible and commentaries in writing this which is made easy by e-sword, a free downloadable program. For further information I recommend reading the Bible.
© Ken Glasgow 2013 Last edited 14 March 2021
This page was written using Open Office 3.3.0, open source software from the www.openoffice.org this software is available to download for free.
iJohn Darby's Synopsis, notes for Matthew 3:13-17
iiAlbert Barnes' commentary on the Bible, notes for Matthew 3:15.
iiiMatthew Henery's concise commentary, notes for Matthew 3:13-17
