Jesus Was Baptized

“Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heavens were opened.” Luke 3:21 (ESV)

Jesus was baptized, too? Why was it necessary for Jesus to be baptized? I thought He was sinless. What would Jesus need to repent of? The Bible affirms His sinlessness.

• “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.” Heb. 4:15 (ESV)
• “Knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.” I Pet. 1:18-19 (ESV)

Jesus did not allow John to baptize Him as an act of repentance. Jesus had no sin to repent of. So why did Jesus participate in this public baptism? Jesus set an example for us to follow. Jesus modeled the value of honoring God. The baptism of Jesus established the clear portrait of turning from sin and turning to Christ alone for salvation.

Just as my wedding ring does not make me married; it lets others know that I am married. So it is with baptism in that baptism does not save you; it lets others know that you have been saved. Your baptism by immersion is a public display of the internal reality of your salvation experience. The reality of your covenant relationship with Christ is demonstrated through your act of obedience in following Jesus in believer’s baptism. Your baptism is the public profession of your faith in Jesus.

Have you been baptized, too?

Drawing Near,

Stephen Trammell
Lead Pastor
Follow me on twitter at: http://twitter.com/stephentrammell