Describe the baptism of Jesus as recorded by Matthew and indicate its purpose.

Answer Details

The baptism of Jesus as recorded by Matthew (Matthew 3)

John the Baptist was preaching in the wilderness of Judea, calling people to repentance and baptising them in the river Jordan as they confessed their sins. He proclaimed that one mightier than he was coming, whose sandals he was not worthy to carry, and who would baptise with the Holy Spirit and with fire.

Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptised by him. But John tried to prevent Him, saying, "I need to be baptised by you, and do you come to me?" Jesus answered him, "Let it be so now; for thus it is fitting for us to fulfil all righteousness." Then John consented.

When Jesus had been baptised, He went up immediately from the water. And behold, the heavens were opened and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on Him. And a voice from heaven said, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased."

The purpose of the baptism

1. To fulfil all righteousness - Jesus submitted to baptism to identify Himself fully with God's plan and to set an example of obedience, though He had no sin to confess.
2. To identify with sinful humanity - by being baptised among sinners, Jesus showed His solidarity with the people He came to save.
3. To be publicly commissioned and anointed for His ministry - the descent of the Spirit anointed and empowered Him for the work ahead.
4. To reveal His divine sonship - the voice from heaven declared Him the beloved Son of God, a public testimony from the Father.
5. To manifest the Trinity - the Father spoke, the Son was baptised, and the Holy Spirit descended, revealing the three Persons together.