Beginning with Baptism
Matthew 3:13–17
Recorded August 6, 2023
Stonebriar Community Church, Frisco, TX
The baptism of Jesus Christ is one of the most significant moments in the Gospels. It marks the beginning of His public ministry and affirms His identity as the Messiah. Each Gospel—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—records this monumental event, underscoring its importance in the life and mission of Jesus.
The Gospels: Unified Yet Unique Witnesses
The Gospels provide four unique perspectives on the life of Christ. Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, inspired by the Holy Spirit, each wrote with distinct audiences and purposes in mind. Together, they form a comprehensive picture of Jesus’ life and ministry, yet each narrative stands alone, reflecting the writer’s intent.
It’s essential to study the Gospels carefully, respecting each author’s voice and purpose, rather than blending them into a “Gospel soup” that loses its unique contributions. For example, Luke begins with a detailed historical introduction, emphasizing eyewitness testimony and the fulfillment of God’s promises. Meanwhile, John takes a theological approach, presenting Jesus as the eternal Word of God who existed before creation.
The Role of Fulfillment in Jesus’ Life
Central to Jesus’ ministry is the concept of fulfillment. His life is the realization of centuries of Old Testament prophecies. From the beginning, God’s plan for redemption was foreshadowed in the Scriptures. Genesis 3 introduces the promise of a Messiah, and the prophets, including Isaiah, Ezekiel, and Malachi, pointed forward to His coming.
Matthew explicitly ties Jesus’ genealogy and birth to these prophecies, while Mark emphasizes the fulfillment of Isaiah’s words about a messenger preparing the way. Luke draws attention to Jesus as the continuation of God’s redemptive work, and John connects Jesus to creation itself, describing Him as the Word through whom all things were made.
Jesus’ Baptism: A Key Moment of Fulfillment
The baptism of Jesus, recorded in Matthew 3:13-17, is a pivotal moment that inaugurates His public ministry. Jesus travels from Galilee to the Jordan River, where John the Baptist calls people to repentance. Recognizing Jesus’ sinlessness, John hesitates, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” (Matthew 3:14).
Jesus responds, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness” (Matthew 3:15). His baptism is not for His own sins—He had none—but as an act of obedience and identification with humanity. It also fulfills Old Testament prophecies and foreshadows His ultimate sacrifice on the cross.
Signs of the Messiah
Three key signs at Jesus’ baptism affirm His identity as the Messiah:
- The Heavens Opened: Isaiah 64:1 anticipated the heavens being torn open at the Messiah’s arrival. At Jesus’ baptism, heaven responds, signaling this moment’s importance.
- The Spirit Descends Like a Dove: Isaiah 11:2 foretold that the Spirit of the Lord would rest on the Messiah. The descent of the Holy Spirit upon Jesus confirms His anointing for the mission ahead.
- The Father’s Voice: Isaiah 42:1 prophesied that God would delight in His chosen servant. At the baptism, a voice from heaven declares, “This is my Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17).
These signs affirm Jesus as the fulfillment of prophecy and the Son of God, sent to redeem the world.
The Significance of Baptism
Jesus’ baptism also serves as a model for us. It symbolizes repentance, obedience, and the beginning of a life devoted to God. While Jesus had no sin to repent of, His baptism represents His solidarity with humanity and His commitment to His redemptive mission.
Throughout Scripture, leaders like Moses, Daniel, and Nehemiah identified with the sins of their people, interceding on their behalf. Jesus, as the ultimate intercessor, begins His ministry by stepping into the waters of baptism, not for His own sake but for ours.
A Call to Follow
The baptism of Jesus is not just a historical event but a call to action for believers. It invites us to examine our own lives, follow His example of obedience, and recognize Him as fulfilling God’s promises. As we reflect on this moment, we are reminded of the hope and salvation found in Christ alone.
The Gospels consistently point to Jesus as the Messiah, the fulfillment of prophecy, and the Savior of the world. His baptism marks the beginning of a journey that leads to the cross, the resurrection, and, ultimately, the promise of eternal life for all who believe in Him.