Matthew 3:13-17, 28:18-19
Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by You, and do You come to me?” Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented. As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water. At that moment, heaven was opened, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on Him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased.”
…Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth have been given to Me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit…”
Devotion
Why was Jesus baptized? The main reason is stated in the text, “to fulfill all righteousness.” Jesus is identifying Himself completely with sinful humanity. The prophet Isaiah had prophesied that the Messiah would be numbered with sinners (see Isaiah 53:12). Baptism means identification. Christ was holy and without sin. He did not need to repent for any sin.
Jesus was obedient to the will of the Father. It was God’s will that Jesus be identified with mankind. Before departing this world, Jesus instructed His disciples to baptize those who would identify with Him. This was not a suggestion but a command. Just as Jesus identified Himself with sinful humanity, we as believers must identify ourselves with the perfect and holy Son of God who gave Himself up for us, that we might be reconciled to God.
Baptism is a beautiful picture of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. In a recent pre-baptism interview with an 11-year-old boy, I asked him, “Why do you want to be baptized?” He responded, “I want to declare my faith in Jesus!” Baptism does not make you a Christian. Baptism is the outward expression of inward faith. Baptism is a public declaration that a person is trusting in the person and work of Christ for their salvation. Baptism pictures the death of the old self before we were saved, burial of the old life, and the resurrection of a new life to be lived for the Lord Jesus.
Questions to Ponder
Have you publicly declared your faith in Jesus through baptism? In what ways does baptism picture the Gospel? What are some ways you might identify yourself with a movement, sports team, or another person? Pastor Bob has often said, “Baptism is the wedding ring of the Christian faith.” What are some of the ways that baptism and marriage are similar?
Spend some time in prayer meditating on what God revealed to you today.