13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. 14 But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” 15 Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented. 16 As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. 17 And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:13-17 NIV)
The Baptism of Jesus
From his childhood until now, when he was almost thirty years old, our Lord Jesus had been hidden in Galilee as if buried alive; but now, after a long and dark night, look, the Sun of righteousness has risen in glory. The fullness of time had come for Christ to begin his prophetic office; and he chose to do it not in Jerusalem (though he probably went there for the three yearly festivals, as others did), but rather where John was baptizing; for those who awaited comfort for Israel came to him, and only they would welcome him.
Since John the Baptist was six months older than our Savior, it is believed he started preaching and baptizing about six months before Christ appeared; he spent so much time preparing for his arrival around the Jordan, and more was accomplished in these six months than had been done in many ages combined. By Christ’s coming from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized, we learn not to avoid pain and hard work if it brings us closer to God. Those who wish to find must seek.
In this story of Christ’s baptism, we may observe how John hesitated to baptize Jesus (Mt 3:14-15). It was an example of Christ’s humility that he, who knew no sin, would submit to baptism. As soon as Christ began to preach, he preached humility by his example. Christ was destined for the highest honor, yet he humbled himself from the very start. Those who seek to rise high must begin low. Before honor comes humility. Christ also honored John by coming to him for baptism, acknowledging his role in preparing the way.
John objected to baptizing Jesus (Mt 3:14): He felt unworthy, just as Peter later objected when Christ sought to wash his feet (John 13:6). Christ’s gracious condescension seemed too great to comprehend. Even strong believers struggle to grasp the depth of his humility. John, despite his widespread respect, remained humble. God has greater honors in store for those who stay humble even when their reputation grows.
First, John found it difficult to understand why Christ would submit to baptism. “Do you come to me?” he asked. Why should the sinless one be baptized as if he were a sinner? Secondly, John recognized his own need to be baptized by Christ. Though he was filled with the Holy Spirit from birth (Luke 1:15), he still desired more. Even the holiest people recognize their need for Christ and seek spiritual cleansing.
Note that while the multitude admired John and was ready to embrace him as the Messiah, he publicly admitted that he had to be baptized of Christ. It is not a disgrace to the greatest of men to confess that they are undone without Christ and his grace. Also, ministers who preach to others must take care of their own spiritual well-being (1Ti 4:16).
Jesus overruled John’s hesitation (Mt 3:15): He told John, “Let it be so now,” showing that everything is beautiful in its time. Christ, in his state of humility, submitted to baptism. John’s baptism was the current divine ordinance, and Jesus honored it to set an example. It was also the moment for Christ to step into public ministry (John 1:31-34). Jesus explained, “It is proper for us to fulfill all righteousness.” His obedience demonstrated his commitment to God’s plan and affirmed the importance of divine institutions. With this reasoning, John agreed and baptized him.
Secondly, observe also how heaven honored Christ’s baptism (Mt 3:16-17). When Jesus was baptized, he immediately came up from the water. Unlike others who confessed their sins, he had none. As he emerged, heaven opened, signaling divine approval and future glory.
- The heavens were opened to him. This was an assurance of the joy set before him. Through Christ, heaven is opened to humanity. Sin had shut heaven, but Christ reopened it, restoring communication between God and people.
- The Holy Spirit descended like a dove and rested upon him. This marked his divine commissioning. As a prophet and Savior, he would speak by the Spirit. As the head of the church, he would distribute the Spirit’s gifts to believers. The dove symbolized purity, gentleness, and peace, reflecting Christ’s character.
- A voice from heaven declared, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” God openly acknowledged Christ as his Son, chosen to redeem the world. His love for Christ extends to those in him by faith (Eph 1:6). This declaration affirms Christ as the mediator between God and humanity, the only way to the Father (John 14:6).