The Baptism Of Jesus
THE BAPTISM OF JESUS
MATTHEW 3:13-17
Jesus’ baptism says, “I am here as one of you, and in your place. I’m here to keep God’s Law for you. I’m here to take your sins and their punishment on myself.”
John’s deprecating answer to Jesus’ request for baptism at his hands (3:14) was natural enough: this was a baptism of repentance and here was One who had no sins to confess: better that John should be baptized by him. This is merely John’s assessment of Jesus’ personal character: thus far he had no inkling that Jesus was the Coming One for whom he was preparing the way. But Jesus’ reply to John’s remonstrance makes clear his purpose in seeking baptism: “Let it be so for the present; we do well to conform in this way with all that God requires” (3:15, NEB).
These words in a general way express Jesus’ constant resolve to do his Father’s will. Further, they indicate his recognition that John’s ministry was a work of God and his desire to be publicly identified with it. He could not hold aloof from the righteous remnant of Israel which was taking shape in response to that ministry. But more: they declare in a special way his dedication to accomplish the purpose of God in his own ministry, now on the point of inauguration. If his ministry was to be launched by an act of self-identification with sinners, that would mark its course and pre-eminently its climax.
John submitted, and baptized him. Then came the divine response to his unreserved self-dedication—the opened heavens, the descent of the Spirit and the Father’s voice.
Here, in the baptism of Jesus, is a moment of divine revelation. The descent of the Spirit points to him as the One who is to baptize with the Holy Spirit: the Spirit must be received before being imparted to others. Of the Messiah of David’s line the prophet had said, “the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him” (Isaiah 11:2); in introducing his chosen Servant God had said, “I have put my Spirit upon him” (Isaiah 42:1). Nor does this exhaust the reference of this narrative to God’s introduction of his Servant: if the proclamation “This is my Son” marks Jesus out as the Messiah addressed in the oracle of Psalm 2:7, “Thou art my Son,” the following words, “my Beloved, on whom my favor rests” (3:17, NEB), equally mark him out as the obedient Servant of the Lord.
The King is anointed, but the circumstances of his anointing show that his royal power and empire must be won by following the Servant’s path of teaching and healing, humility and self-sacrifice (cf. 8:17; 12:18-21; 20:28).
Consider how Jesus’ words to John in 3:15 might serve as an example for us.