Matthew 3:13-17

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Matthew 3:13-17
The baptism of Jesus signals the beginning of Jesus’ ministry. The question is, “Why was Jesus baptized?” Mark’s account tells us that John’s baptism was “a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.” Obviously, Jesus did not have sins. In fact, John seems to recognize this fact immediately by trying to prevent Jesus from being baptized. Therefore, Jesus convinces John to baptize Him on the basis that He needs to “fulfill all righteousness.” Simply put, it was appropriate for Jesus to be baptized in order Him to both do what was right and point the way to righteousness. Jesus could not have very well refused baptism seeing that those who refused baptism were accused of “rejecting the counsel of God against themselves” (Lk. 7:30).It is significant to note that the baptism of John is connected with the need of the sinner just as the baptism of Christ was later commanded for the salvation of the sinner (Mk. 16:15-16). To see baptism as only “an act of obedience” for a person already saved is to miss the whole point. With both John’s and Christ’s baptism, the sinner is baptized “for the forgiveness of sins” (Mk. 1:4 & Acts 2:38).

It is also important to note that John’s baptism was immersion. The very word in the Greek for baptism means immersion. Our text says that Jesus “came up from the water.” Later, John baptized near Aenon “because there was much water there” (Jn. 3:23).

Notice further that all three individuals in the Godhead are present at the baptism. The “Father’s voice” is heard from heaven, the “Spirit” comes on Jesus in the form of a dove, and Jesus is baptized. For those who believe that “God” is just one person, this text represents a formidable challenge. God is a “family” name representing the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. “One God” refers to one God-family, not one person. Genesis 1:26 tells us that God said, “Let us make man in our image according to our likeness.” Jesus and the Spirit were both there creating just as the Father (Gen. 1:2; John 1:1-3).
Berry Kercheville