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Jesus’ Baptism
When Jesus was 30 years old, he knew from the Law that it was time to start his ministry. His cousin John, being six months older, had already started preaching and was baptizing in the area of Bethany beyond Jordan. John knew that he was sent to prepare the way for Messiah. He proclaimed that he was not even worthy to unloose the shoes of the one he heralded.
Jesus came to be baptized by John. As he approached, John knew through God’s direction that he was The Christ (Messiah). He proclaimed to the people, “Behold the Lamb of God which taketh away the sins of the world.” (John 1:29)
John then reluctantly baptized our Lord, feeling rather that he needed to be baptized of Jesus. Following Jesus’ baptism the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the spirit of God descending like a dove upon him. He heard a voice from heaven saying, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:17)
Why was Jesus baptized? He had committed no sin. The Lord used the symbol of baptism in water as an example for his believers to follow. Being lowered backward beneath the water pictured the going into death of self-will. Being raised out of the water pictured the raising to walk in newness of life.
Tags: descending like a dove, jordan john, messiah, spirit of god, symbol of baptism