| |
3 In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah when he said,
“The voice of one crying in the wilderness:
‘Prepare the way of the Lord;
make his paths straight.’”
Now John wore a garment of camel’s hair and a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. Then Jerusalem and all Judea and all the region about the Jordan were going out to him, and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.
But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father,’ for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children for Abraham. Even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees. Every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.
“I baptize you with water for repentance, but he who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor and gather his wheat into the barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.”
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.”
(ESV)
Pictured is the traditionally accepted site (the Jordan River) for the baptism of Jesus. As I read this chapter, there are many questions that come to mind. Why did Jesus have to be baptized even though He was without sin? Why did God speak audibly to Jesus and all those who were present?
Why did Jesus need to be baptized? He tells John the Baptist exactly why. He says, “it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” In the same way that baptism today is a way for us to identify our lives with Christ publicly, Jesus was identifying himself with us, people who didn’t deserve a Savior, and fulfilling all righteousness by doing so. In the same way that He offered Himself for a world that didn’t deserve it, He asks us to do the same.
It is also important to understand that Jesus was validating John the Baptist’s ministry. The people who were following John now understood that his ministry was truly from God and that all he had spoken would come true.
But the most powerful moment in this story is God’s words that are spoken over His Son. What does the Father say to the Son? “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased.” In that simple statement, God has filled His Son with purpose, identity, and affirmation. He is prepared for ministry. The Kingdom of God has been unleashed upon the kingdom of man.
On top of all this, Jesus’ baptism was a fulfillment of prophecy.
“Behold, My Servant, whom I uphold; My chosen one in whom My soul delights. I have put My Spirit upon Him; He will bring forth justice to the nations.”
Isaiah 42:1 NASB
“I will surely tell of the decree of the LORD: He said to Me, ‘You are My Son, Today I have begotten You.
Psalms 2:7 NASB
The immensity of this proclamation by God is crucial. It forever ties Christ to His Father in Heaven, sending a clear message to both humanity and the spiritual realm. We know this proclamation had significance in the spiritual world because the very next chapter, Satan quotes this precise phrase, “…if you are the Son of God…”
Let’s unpack that final thought and make it personal. John prepares the way. Jesus is baptized. God speaks. Everything seems to be just as it should be. But Satan is watching. After Jesus’ identity is affirmed by God, Satan immediately begins poking holes in this truth. Now ask yourself, do you think this is any different for you? In other words, we should not be surprised when Satan comes knocking after a mighty encounter with our Father in Heaven.
God’s voice was the only voice Jesus needed. It was the only voice He followed. When we are locked into God’s truth in His Word and in prayer, we should expect to face adversity from the enemy. Jesus received the ultimate affirmation and was immediately and relentlessly tested by Satan. We must stand firm on the promises that God has spoken over our lives!