The Baptism of Jesus

Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him. John would have prevented him, saying, "I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?" But Jesus answered him, "Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness." Then he consented. 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."

Why was Jesus baptized? This is a question many people ask. As Christ was perfect, flawless and sinless, why did this happen? Our pastor did a sermon on the Baptism of Jesus today which gave much clarity. I would like to share two points with you.

Jesus is baptized to connect the life of God's people to himself. Through baptism Christ became connected to his people, identifying with the human life. The people of Israel went through the Desert, they were in the wilderness, the Exodus. Israel was to be a blessing to all nations. With the baptism of Christ, Jesus becomes a true priest, the incarnation - so the rest of the world could be blessed.

Jesus is baptized to set in motion new life. The new creation; new beginning. Matthew 3:16 says " 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." The baptism of Jesus shows that the old world is passing and that the new world is emerging. The fulfillment of righteousness. A new beginning through Him!