Matthew 3
The Story of the Baptism of Jesus
Jesus is baptized by John in the Jordan, and the Father and Spirit bear witness to the beloved Son.
Setting and Context
Matthew 3 places the baptism at the start of Jesus' public ministry. John's baptism of repentance meets the sinless Son who fulfills all righteousness and is publicly affirmed by the Father.
The Story
John baptizes in the wilderness, calling Israel to repent. When Jesus comes to be baptized, John resists, saying he needs to be baptized by Jesus. Jesus answers that it becomes them to fulfill all righteousness.
Jesus is baptized, and goes up straightway out of the water. The heavens are opened unto Him, and He sees the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting upon Him.
A voice from heaven says, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. The Father, Son, and Spirit are revealed together as Jesus' mission begins.
Meaning and Importance
Jesus comes from Galilee to John to be baptized. Heaven opens, the Spirit descends like a dove, and a voice from heaven says, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
The baptism of Jesus reveals His identity and consecration for ministry. He stands with sinners without Himself being sinful, and the Father's delight rests on the obedient Son.
Biblical Art Connected to This Story
Key KJV Verses
Matthew 3:13
“Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him.”
Read Matthew 3Matthew 3:15
“And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.”
Read Matthew 3Matthew 3:16
“And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:”
Read Matthew 3Matthew 3:17
“And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”
Read Matthew 3What This Story Teaches
- Jesus fulfills righteousness in humble obedience.
- The Father publicly affirms the Son.
- The Spirit equips Jesus for the mission ahead.
Questions about Baptism of Jesus
Where is the baptism of Jesus in the Bible?
The baptism is recorded in Matthew 3, Mark 1, Luke 3, and referenced in John 1.
What happened when Jesus was baptized?
The Spirit descended like a dove, and the Father's voice declared Jesus the beloved Son.
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