SPECIAL TOPIC: JESUS' BAPTISM

SPECIAL TOPIC: JESUS’ BAPTISM

Why Jesus was baptized has always been a concern for believers because John’s
baptism was a baptism of repentance (cf. Matt. 3:11; Mark 1:4; Luke 3:3; Acts
13:24). Jesus did not need forgiveness for He was
sinless (cf. 2 Cor. 5:21; Heb. 4:15; 7:26; 1 Pet. 2:22; 1 John 3:5).

The theories have been:

1. it was an example for believers to follow (cf. Matt.
28:19; Acts 2:38)

2. it was His identification with believers’ need

3. it was His ordination and equipping for ministry

4. it was a symbol of His redemptive task

5. it was His approval of the ministry and message of John the Baptist

6. it was a prophetic foreshadowing of His death, burial, and resurrection
(cf. Rom. 6:4; Col. 2:12).

Whatever the reason, this was a defining moment in Jesus’ life.