Seven Powerful Lessons from the Baptism of Jesus

Seven Lessons to learn from Jesus’ Baptism

From Matthew 3

By Neil McBride

Introduction:

Baptism is a powerful and significant act in the Christian faith. While many may view it as a ritual for the forgiveness of sins or an initiation into the Christian community, the baptism of Jesus holds profound theological meaning that reaches far beyond these concepts. In Matthew 3:15, Jesus’ words to John the Baptist, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfil all righteousness,” provide a glimpse into the deep purpose behind His baptism. Though sinless and in need of no repentance, Jesus chose to be baptised to fully align Himself with God’s redemptive plan and to fulfil the righteous requirements of the law. His baptism was not merely an act of obedience but a pivotal moment in the unfolding of God’s salvation for humanity. In this lesson, we will explore how Jesus’ baptism represents the fulfilment of all righteousness and how, as believers, our own baptism is a participation in God’s divine plan and His work of redemption.

1. The Importance of Jesus’ Baptism in the Gospel Story

Scripture: Matthew 3:13-17, Mark 1:9-11, Luke 3:21-22

Key Point:

Jesus’ baptism is a significant event that marks the initiation of His public ministry. Although He was sinless and, therefore, had no need to undergo baptism for repentance, He chose to do so as an act of humility and obedience to God’s divine plan. Jesus’ baptism is not about His own need for cleansing or repentance but about His identification with humanity. In this moment, He takes on the human experience fully, identifying with the people He came to save, who needed repentance. This act also highlights the nature of His mission: He is not distant or aloof from the struggles and needs of humanity but chooses to be involved at the very heart of it. Jesus, though without sin, humbles Himself to undergo a ritual that was meant for the sinful, thus showing that He is with us in all things and for all things.

Lesson:

Jesus’ decision to be baptised, even though He had no need for repentance, reveals the depth of His humility and willingness to submit to the Father’s will. This moment serves as a powerful example for all believers of the importance of obedience to God, even in actions that may not make sense or seem unnecessary from our human perspective. Jesus, being sinless, could have easily skipped this step, yet He chose to participate fully in the plan of salvation, demonstrating to us that God’s will is always the priority, regardless of how it might seem on the surface.

In our own lives, we may be called to obey God in areas that don’t appear to be immediately beneficial or logical. Much like Jesus, we may be asked to walk a path that seems unfamiliar or unnecessary to our understanding. However, His baptism teaches us that following God’s will, even in seemingly insignificant or confusing moments, is part of fulfilling God’s greater plan. Jesus shows us that true humility comes from trusting in God’s purpose and submitting to His will, regardless of the apparent need for the action.

Furthermore, this act of baptism wasn’t just a personal choice; it was a public declaration of alignment with God’s will and mission. Similarly, our obedience to God often extends beyond personal benefit; it can serve as a public testimony of our commitment to God’s plan for us and for the world. Just as Jesus’ baptism signified His public identification with humanity and His mission, our obedience in following Jesus’ example, including baptism, reflects our own identification with Christ and His kingdom.

In this way, Jesus’ willingness to be baptised encourages us to humble ourselves, trust in God’s greater purpose, and faithfully follow His direction, even when it may not immediately make sense to us. Through His obedience, Jesus teaches us that humility and submission to God’s will are foundational to walking in His steps, and by doing so, we not only honour God but also fulfil the calling He has placed on our lives.

2. Jesus is Affirmed by the Father

Scripture: Matthew 3:16-17, Mark 1:10-11

Key Point:

The baptism of Jesus is a profound moment in Scripture, not just because it marks the beginning of His public ministry, but because it is also a moment of divine affirmation. As Jesus emerges from the waters of baptism, the heavens open, the Holy Spirit descends upon Him like a dove, and a voice from heaven declares, “This is my Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased.” This declaration is significant for several reasons. First, it publicly affirms the divine identity of Jesus as the Son of God. This voice from heaven isn’t just a recognition of Jesus’ earthly identity as the Son of Mary and Joseph, but a divine confirmation that He is the promised Messiah, the Anointed One. The Father’s words not only establish Jesus’ relationship with Him but also announce to the world the purpose of His coming: to carry out the will of the Father and redeem humanity.

Second, the descent of the Holy Spirit on Jesus symbolises His anointing and empowerment for the work ahead. This act signifies that Jesus is fully equipped for the mission God has given Him, and it marks the beginning of His ministry with the full support and approval of the Father and the Holy Spirit. Together, these elements, the heavens opening, the Spirit descending, and the Father’s voice, serve as powerful confirmation that Jesus is indeed the one sent by God for a divine purpose.

Lesson:

Jesus’ baptism is more than just an outward ritual; it serves as a public affirmation of His divine identity and mission. When God the Father declares, “This is my Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased,” He is not only affirming Jesus’ identity but also signalling His approval and support for the mission that lies ahead. This moment of affirmation points to the unique relationship between Jesus and the Father, as well as to the central role of the Son in the unfolding of God’s redemptive plan.

For Jesus, this declaration from the Father is not just a moment of personal encouragement but a public proclamation of His divine purpose. It confirms that He is the chosen one, sent to fulfil the will of God and to bring salvation to the world. This declaration comes at the beginning of His public ministry, signaling the start of His mission to reveal the kingdom of God to humanity.

In the same way, baptism for us as believers is also a public declaration of faith, but it goes deeper than simply an act of obedience. It is a moment where we align ourselves with God’s will and purpose for our lives, just as Jesus aligned Himself with His Father’s mission. In baptism, we publicly acknowledge that we belong to God and are committed to living according to His will. It serves as a way to declare that we are united with Jesus in His death, burial, and resurrection (Romans 6:3-4).

Just as God the Father affirmed His Son, baptism is an affirmation of our identity as children of God. When we are baptized, we are making a statement that we are identifying ourselves with the life and work of Jesus Christ. We are also stepping into the calling that God has placed on our lives, just as Jesus stepped into His calling. Our baptism is a witness to the world that we belong to Christ, and it is a public recognition of the new identity we receive through Him.

Moreover, just as Jesus was empowered by the Holy Spirit in His baptism to carry out His mission, baptism for us is also a moment where we receive the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit equips us to live out our faith, empowers us for ministry, and helps us walk in obedience to God’s calling. Jesus’ baptism reminds us that the act of baptism is not just symbolic; it is a powerful moment where we are set apart and equipped for the life God has called us to lead.

Finally, the Father’s affirmation of Jesus invites us to trust that when we follow God’s call and walk in His will, we are also receiving His approval and pleasure. Just as the Father declared His love and approval of Jesus, He also declares His love for us as His children, affirming us as we step forward in faith and obedience. Baptism, then, is not just a ritual; it is a significant, life-altering moment where we are publicly affirmed by God as His own, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and set on the path of fulfilling God’s purpose for our lives.

3. The Role of the Holy Spirit in Baptism

Scripture: Matthew 3:16, Mark 1:10, Luke 3:22

Key Point:

At the moment of Jesus’ baptism, the Holy Spirit descends upon Him as a dove, symbolising not only Jesus’ anointing but also the empowerment He would receive to carry out His divine mission. This act signifies the beginning of His ministry, as the Spirit would now be with Him to guide, strengthen, and empower Him for all the work that lay ahead. The Spirit’s descent in the form of a dove also carries rich symbolic meaning; doves are often associated with peace, purity, and gentleness. This points to the nature of the mission Jesus was about to undertake: bringing peace and salvation to a broken world through His pure and loving sacrifice.

Moreover, the presence of the Holy Spirit at Jesus’ baptism serves as a sign of the coming role of the Spirit in the lives of believers. Just as the Spirit descended upon Jesus and empowered Him for His mission, so too does the Holy Spirit come to indwell believers, equipping them for service and guiding them in their own callings. The event at Jesus’ baptism serves as a prophetic moment, pointing forward to the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on all who follow Christ, enabling them to live out God’s will in the world.

Lesson:

The Holy Spirit’s role in baptism is foundational, not just in the life of Jesus but in the lives of all believers. When the Spirit descended upon Jesus at His baptism, it marked the beginning of His public ministry and the commencement of His mission to save humanity. This moment was not only about Jesus’ identification with humanity but also about the empowerment He received from the Holy Spirit to carry out the will of the Father. Through the Holy Spirit, Jesus would have the strength, wisdom, and guidance necessary to endure the challenges of His earthly ministry, including temptation, suffering, and death.

In the same way, the Holy Spirit plays a central role in empowering believers for service. Just as Jesus was filled with the Spirit to begin His ministry, every believer is filled with the Holy Spirit when they are baptised into Christ. This infilling is not just a symbolic gesture; it is the very presence of God coming to dwell within us, equipping us to live out our faith and fulfil the calling God has placed on our lives. The Holy Spirit empowers believers to share the message of Christ, to serve others, and to live lives that reflect the character of God.

The Holy Spirit’s presence in Jesus’ baptism serves as a model for us, showing that empowerment for mission is not a one-time event but an ongoing process in the life of every believer. Just as Jesus was continually guided by the Spirit throughout His ministry, so too are we called to live in dependence on the Holy Spirit, seeking His guidance and relying on His strength as we walk out our faith.

Additionally, the fact that the Holy Spirit descended in the form of a dove highlights the gentle, peaceful nature of the Spirit’s work. The Holy Spirit does not force His way into our lives but comes in a spirit of peace, offering us guidance, comfort, and empowerment in a way that aligns with the character of God. For believers, this means that the Spirit’s work in our lives is not harsh or overbearing but is marked by gentleness and peace. He empowers us to serve, but He also leads us in the way of love, mercy, and humility, just as Jesus demonstrated throughout His ministry.

Furthermore, the presence of the Holy Spirit at Jesus’ baptism points to a profound truth: the Spirit is essential for every step of a believer’s spiritual journey. When we are baptised, we are not only publicly identifying with Christ but also receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit, who will dwell within us and enable us to live lives of obedience, righteousness, and service to others. The Holy Spirit equips us for every task, strengthens us in times of weakness, and empowers us to fulfil the purposes God has for our lives.

Finally, the Holy Spirit’s role in baptism highlights the unity between the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in God’s redemptive plan. As we see in Jesus’ baptism, the Father affirms the Son, the Spirit empowers the Son, and both are working together to accomplish God’s plan for salvation. In the same way, when we are baptised and filled with the Holy Spirit, we are brought into the fellowship of the Trinity and empowered to live in harmony with God’s will, drawing strength from His presence within us. 

4. The Baptism as a Model for Believers

Scripture: Matthew 28:19-20, Acts 2:38

Key Point:

Jesus’ baptism is an example of obedience to the Father and sets a powerful precedent for His followers. Through His baptism, Jesus establishes a pattern for Christian baptism that is deeply spiritual and significant. As modelled by Jesus, baptism is an act of obedience to God’s will, symbolising a believer’s identification with God’s redemptive work through Christ. It is not merely a ritual but a profound declaration of faith, marking a believer’s decision to align their life with the work of God. Just as Jesus’ baptism was an outward sign of His identification with the Father’s will, Christian baptism is an outward sign of the inward transformation that has occurred through faith in Jesus Christ. It is an essential step in the journey of discipleship and a means of publicly declaring one’s commitment to following Christ.

Lesson:

Jesus’ baptism serves as a model for believers today, teaching us that baptism is much more than a simple tradition or ritual; it is a foundational step in the life of every Christian. When Jesus was baptised, He demonstrated His complete submission to the Father’s will and His willingness to identify with the mission He had come to fulfil publicly. Following this example, believers are invited to publicly declare their faith in Christ and demonstrate their identification with His death, burial, and resurrection. In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus commands His disciples to “go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.” This command underscores the importance of baptism as an essential part of discipleship. It is not optional for a follower of Christ; it is an act of obedience that affirms our allegiance to Jesus and His mission.

Just as Jesus took the step of baptism to fulfil all righteousness (Matthew 3:15), believers are called to take this step of obedience to publicly affirm their faith in Christ and identify with the salvation He offers. Baptism is an outward act that reflects an inward transformation. It symbolises the washing away of sins and the new life believers receive through faith in Jesus. When a person is baptised, they are making a public statement that they have been cleansed from sin, have been raised to new life in Christ, and are committed to walking in the ways of God.

In Acts 2:38, Peter instructs the crowd, “Repent and be baptised, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Baptism, then, is not just an outward act, but it signifies the inner work of repentance and transformation that has taken place in the heart of the believer. It marks the beginning of a new journey as a disciple of Christ, characterised by ongoing obedience, spiritual growth, and alignment with God’s will.

As a public declaration, baptism also unites believers with the global body of Christ. When we are baptised, we are not only making a personal commitment to Jesus but also joining the larger family of God. It is an act of solidarity with the church, a visible sign of our connection to the body of Christ and the community of believers. In this sense, baptism is a communal event—it brings believers into fellowship with one another as they all share the same commitment to Christ and His kingdom.

Furthermore, baptism is a step in the believer’s journey of discipleship. It is not the end of the journey but the beginning. Just as Jesus’ baptism marked the beginning of His earthly ministry, our baptism marks the beginning of a life of following Christ. It is an important milestone, but only the start of a life that will be lived in continual obedience to God. After baptism, believers are called to live out the implications of their faith, following Jesus’ example in every aspect of life and growing in their understanding of God’s Word and will.

The act of baptism is also a privilege and a gift. While it is a command to be obeyed, it is also a sign of God’s grace and mercy. Through baptism, we publicly declare God’s work in our lives, redeeming, transforming, and bringing us into His family. It is a visible testimony to the world of the inward change that has taken place through the work of Christ. As we follow Jesus’ example in baptism, we also join in His mission, participating in the Great Commission to make disciples and spread the message of salvation to the ends of the earth.

In conclusion, just as Jesus was baptised to fulfil all righteousness and set an example for His followers, baptism for believers is both an act of obedience and an essential step in the journey of discipleship. It is a public declaration of our faith in Jesus Christ, a sign of our identification with His death, burial, and resurrection, and a commitment to living according to God’s will. Baptism is not just a ritual but a privilege and an essential part of the Christian walk, setting us on lifelong discipleship. By following Jesus’ example, we are invited to participate in the ongoing work of God’s kingdom, empowered by the Holy Spirit to live faithfully in service to Him. 

5. Baptism and Repentance

Scripture: Matthew 3:1-12, Acts 2:38

Key Point:

John the Baptist’s ministry was centred on calling people to repentance and baptising them as a symbol of their repentance and a means of receiving forgiveness for their sins. His Baptism represented a washing away of sin and a turning back to God. People came to John in the wilderness to confess their sins and be baptised as an outward sign of their desire for spiritual renewal. However, Jesus’ Baptism was different. While He was without sin and did not need repentance, He underwent Baptism to fulfil all righteousness (Matthew 3:15). By doing so, Jesus identified with humanity, showing solidarity with those He came to save. His Baptism wasn’t for forgiveness but for a public declaration of His obedience to God’s will and His commitment to the redemptive plan of salvation. In this act, Jesus fulfilled the necessary steps to identify with humanity and set an example for us all in how we should respond to God’s call for repentance, renewal, and alignment with His will.

Lesson:

As seen in John the Baptist’s ministry, Baptism is often associated with repentance and forgiveness. John’s call to repentance was urgent and clear: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near” (Matthew 3:2). Baptism, in this context, was a sign of turning away from sin and turning back to God, an outward act that accompanied the inward change of heart. It symbolised the cleansing of sins and a fresh start for those who came to John seeking forgiveness. The act of Baptism, therefore, was a significant part of the repentance process, representing the individual’s commitment to leave behind their old way of life and begin anew in their relationship with God.

However, Jesus’ Baptism was different. As the sinless Son of God, He had no sins for which to repent. He was perfect, and yet He chose to undergo Baptism. Despite having no need for repentance, Jesus’ willingness to be baptised reveals a powerful aspect of His ministry: His deep humility and submission to God’s will. When He came to John, He said, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfil all righteousness” (Matthew 3:15). Jesus’ Baptism wasn’t about personal purification but about fulfilling God’s plan for salvation. By being baptised, He was publicly identifying with humanity, acknowledging the sinfulness of the people He came to save, and showing that He was fully participating in the redemptive work that God had set in motion.

This way, Jesus’ Baptism becomes a profound example of alignment with God’s purposes. While it symbolises the idea of repentance and cleansing, it also demonstrates that Baptism is about more than just forgiveness, fully aligning with God’s will and purpose. Jesus didn’t need forgiveness, but He chose to be baptised as an act of obedience to God and to affirm His mission to bring salvation to the world. His Baptism was a sign of His commitment to fulfilling the Father’s will, and it marked the beginning of His public ministry.

For believers today, Baptism is still a symbol of repentance and forgiveness, as it represents the washing away of sin and the beginning of a new life in Christ. In Acts 2:38, Peter commands, “Repent and be baptised, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.” Through Baptism, we publicly acknowledge our need for forgiveness and our commitment to Christ. It signifies the cleansing of our past, the removal of guilt and shame, and our acceptance of the salvation offered through Jesus’ death and resurrection. Baptism is an essential part of the believer’s journey, symbolising the inward transformation that has taken place and the outward demonstration of faith.

However, just as Jesus’ Baptism was not solely about forgiveness but also about aligning with God’s greater purpose, our Baptism is not just about cleansing. It is also about aligning ourselves with God’s plan and life purpose. Baptism is an act of obedience to God, signalling our full surrender to His will and our desire to live according to His ways. Through Baptism, we publicly identify ourselves with the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, committing ourselves to live for His glory and to carry out the mission He has given to His followers. Just as Jesus was baptised as a sign of His alignment with the Father’s plan, so too is our Baptism a declaration of our commitment to follow God’s will for our lives.

Moreover, Baptism symbolises the beginning of a new journey in Christ. It marks the start of a life centred on God’s purpose, not just a one-time act of repentance. The apostle Paul reminds us in Romans 6:4 that we are buried with Christ and raised to live a new life through Baptism. Baptism is not just a cleansing ritual; it is an initiation into a new way of life, a new identity, and a new mission. It declares that we no longer live for ourselves but for the one who saved us. Jesus’ Baptism serves as a reminder that true repentance goes beyond just the forgiveness of sins; it is a call to align our lives with God’s will and live out His purposes for us.

Ultimately, Baptism represents both repentance and commitment to God’s plan. It’s a step of faith and obedience, symbolising a turning away from sin and toward God’s will. Just as Jesus’ Baptism was an act of aligning with God’s purposes, our Baptism, too, is an act of aligning ourselves with His greater mission of redemption. It is a public declaration of our commitment to follow Jesus and participate in God’s ongoing work in the world. Through Baptism, we acknowledge our need for forgiveness and embrace the calling to live as ambassadors of Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit to fulfil God’s purposes. 

6. Baptism as a Public Confession of Faith

Scripture: Romans 6:3-4, Colossians 2:12

Key Point:

Baptism is more than a private or personal act of devotion; it is a public declaration of faith that aligns the believer with Jesus Christ and His work of salvation. While Jesus’ baptism was not necessary for His forgiveness (since He was sinless), it still served as a powerful public declaration of His commitment to fulfil the will of His Father. Jesus, though perfect and without sin, underwent baptism to identify with humanity, publicly show His submission to the Father, and begin His public ministry. His example sets the tone for believers: baptism is not merely a private event, but a public confession of allegiance to Christ and a proclamation of His saving work.

Lesson:

Baptism is an essential and public step in the Christian journey, reflecting the inner transformation and commitment in the believer’s heart. Just as Jesus’ baptism marked the beginning of His public ministry, so does a believer’s baptism signify the start of a new life in Christ. It is a way of publicly identifying with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. In Romans 6:3-4, Paul explains that we are “buried with him through baptism into death” and “raised to walk in newness of life.” Baptism, therefore, symbolises the believer’s union with Christ, the old life being put to death, and the new life being raised in Christ. This transformation is not just a private change but a change meant to be publicly confessed and demonstrated.

When Jesus was baptised, He did not need to repent but publicly declared His commitment to God’s plan. His baptism was a visible demonstration of His alignment with God’s purpose for His life. In the same way, baptism for believers is an outward sign of an inward commitment to follow Jesus. It’s a declaration that we no longer live for ourselves, but for the One who gave His life for us. In Colossians 2:12, Paul writes that believers are “buried with him in baptism” and are “raised with him through your faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead.” Baptism serves as a public proclamation of this new faith in Christ and signifies the believer’s decision to walk in the path of discipleship.

One of the most powerful aspects of baptism is that it is a public act. In a world where many individuals’ beliefs can remain private or hidden, baptism is a moment of boldness and public confession. It is a way for believers to stand before their community, family, friends, and fellow believers—and declare, “I belong to Jesus Christ.” Just as Jesus publicly declared His commitment to the Father’s will through His baptism, believers are called to proclaim their faith through their baptism publicly. This act is a witness to others of the transformation that has taken place in the believer’s life and their commitment to Christ.

Baptism is a testimony of the believer’s identification with Jesus Christ and His redemptive work. It’s an opportunity for the believer to publicly say, “I am a follower of Jesus, and I am not ashamed of that.” In a world where standing up for one’s faith can sometimes feel challenging, baptism is a courageous act of public allegiance. It is a way of saying to the world, “I am united with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection, and I am committed to living for Him.” Just as the early church viewed baptism as a crucial step in becoming a disciple of Jesus, we too must recognise the importance of baptism as a public witness to our faith.

The public nature of baptism also serves as a witness to the church and the watching world. It’s a testimony to fellow believers that we are part of the body of Christ, united with them in our common faith and shared commitment to Jesus. It’s a way of showing that we belong to God’s family and are committed to living out the gospel in our everyday lives. Just as Jesus was not baptised in private, but in front of a crowd that witnessed the descent of the Holy Spirit and heard the voice of the Father, our baptism is meant to be a public event, one where others can witness our faith and celebrate with us as we take this significant step in our spiritual journey.

Moreover, baptism fulfils the Great Commission that Jesus gave His followers in Matthew 28:19-20: “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and the Holy Spirit.” Baptism is not only a personal act but part of God’s global mission to spread the message of salvation to every nation. When we are baptised, we are stepping into this larger mission, a visible part of the worldwide body of believers and showing the world that we belong to Jesus.

Through baptism, we publicly declare that our faith is not a secret, personal experience, but a bold, transformative relationship with Jesus Christ. It’s an invitation for others to witness the work of God in our lives and to be drawn to the hope we have in Christ. In this way, baptism is not just a one-time event; it becomes the beginning of a life lived out loud for Jesus. It is the first step of a believer’s journey of discipleship, where they continue to live out their faith publicly in how they speak, act, and serve others.

Baptism, then, serves as a vital part of the Christian witness. It’s a way of publicly declaring that we are united with Christ, identifying with His death and resurrection, and committing ourselves to follow Him. It is an outward sign of an inward reality, the transformation that has occurred in our hearts through faith in Jesus. Just as Jesus set the example of publicly declaring His commitment to the Father’s will through His baptism, we, as His followers, are called to declare our allegiance to Him through baptism. 

7. The Fulfillment of God’s Righteousness

Scripture: Matthew 3:15

Key Point:

When Jesus approached John to be baptised, John was initially hesitant, knowing that Jesus was sinless and had no need for repentance. However, Jesus responded with the words, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness” (Matthew 3:15). This profound statement reveals that Jesus’ baptism was not merely an act of personal submission, but an essential step in fulfilling God’s redemptive plan for humanity. Through His baptism, Jesus fully identified with God’s plan to redeem the world and completed the law’s righteous requirements, showing His perfect obedience to the Father. His baptism was a key moment in fulfilling all that the law and the prophets had foretold, and it marked the beginning of His public ministry that would ultimately lead to His sacrificial death on the cross.

Lesson:

Jesus’ statement, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfil all righteousness,” helps us understand that His baptism was not about personal purification, as He had no sin to repent. Rather, it was a significant moment where He fully aligned himself with the purposes of God. By being baptised, Jesus showed that He was committed to fulfilling every aspect of God’s will, including fulfilling the righteous requirements of the law. This statement highlights a key theme in Matthew’s gospel: Jesus came not to abolish the law, but to fulfil it (Matthew 5:17). In every act, Jesus lived in perfect harmony with God’s law and demonstrated His obedience to the Father’s will, culminating in His sacrificial death and resurrection.

Jesus’ baptism can be seen as fulfilling God’s righteous plan in two primary ways. First, it signifies Jesus’ role in fulfilling all righteousness through obeying God’s plan. Being baptised, He publicly affirmed His commitment to the Father’s will. The ceremonial washing in baptism, which was typically done for the repentance of sins, was not needed for Jesus. Still, His participation in it demonstrated His perfect submission to God’s plan of salvation. Through this act, Jesus, though sinless, publicly identified with humanity’s need for redemption. He didn’t need baptism for repentance, but He willingly underwent it to fulfil all that the Father required for the salvation of humankind.

Second, Jesus’ baptism marked the beginning of His public ministry, in which He would fulfil all the prophecies and promises of God. His baptism was the first step in a journey that would lead to the cross, where He would fully satisfy the demands of the law by offering Himself the perfect sacrifice for sin. Jesus was the ultimate fulfilment of God’s righteousness, as He lived a sinless life and perfectly obeyed the Father’s will, even to the point of death. Through His baptism, He began His public ministry of revealing God’s Kingdom and demonstrating God’s required righteousness.

For believers, Jesus’ baptism is not only a demonstration of His alignment with God’s plan, but it also becomes a model for our obedience. Jesus, the sinless Son of God, didn’t need baptism, but He chose to be baptised as an act of obedience to the Father and to fulfil all righteousness. In the same way, our baptism is a step of obedience that signifies our identification with Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection. As we follow Jesus in baptism, we participate in fulfilling God’s righteousness. Just as Jesus fulfilled all righteousness through His baptism and His perfect life, we, through our baptism, demonstrate our willingness to align ourselves with God’s will and participate in His redemptive plan.

In Romans 6:3-4, Paul explains that baptism symbolises our union with Christ. “We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” Just as Jesus fulfilled all righteousness in His life, death, and resurrection, our baptism symbolises the new life we receive in Christ. Through baptism, we acknowledge that our old selves have been “buried” with Christ and that we are raised to live a new life of righteousness, empowered by the Holy Spirit to obey God’s will.

Furthermore, Jesus’ baptism is a reminder that righteousness is not something we can achieve on our own. The righteousness that Jesus fulfilled was the perfect obedience to God’s law, something we could never do by our efforts. However, by identifying with Jesus in baptism, we accept the righteousness that He offers to us. His baptism indicates that we can be declared righteous before God through His obedience. As believers, our baptism is not a work that earns us salvation but a response to the righteousness that Jesus has already secured through His life, death, and resurrection.

In summary, Jesus’ baptism fully aligns with God’s redemptive plan. His act of baptism wasn’t about repentance, but about fulfilling all that the law required. Through His obedience, Jesus fulfilled the righteous demands of God’s law and set an example for believers to follow in their own lives of obedience. As we follow Jesus’ example in baptism, we also fulfil God’s righteousness, aligning ourselves with His purposes and living in obedience to His will. Baptism symbolises our identification with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, and it serves as a public declaration of our commitment to live for God’s glory. Just as Jesus fulfilled all righteousness, we are called to live out that righteousness through obedience to God’s will.

Conclusion:

Jesus’ baptism was a powerful declaration of His commitment to fulfilling the will of God and bringing about the world’s salvation. By choosing to be baptised, Jesus demonstrated perfect obedience, aligning Himself with God’s plan and fulfilling all the law’s righteous requirements. His baptism was not about personal purification, but about identifying with humanity and beginning the work of redemption. For believers, baptism holds great significance as we follow Jesus’ example of obedience. As we participate in baptism, we publicly declare our identification with Christ and the new life He offers. Just as Jesus fulfilled righteousness through His baptism and perfect life, we are called to live in alignment with God’s will, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and to walk in the righteousness He freely gives. Baptism is not just a moment but the beginning of a new life that fulfils God’s redemptive plan.

Seven Lessons to learn from Jesus’ Baptism

DTA – Neil McBride

(CEO and founder of Downtown Angels)