The story of Jesus being baptized by John the Baptist is a significant event in the New Testament, as it marks the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry and serves as a confirmation of his identity as the Son of God. The account of this event can be found in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke.
According to the Gospels, John the Baptist was a preacher who called on the people of Judea to repent of their sins and be baptized as a sign of their repentance. John’s message and baptismal practices gained a large following, and many people came to him to be baptized in the Jordan River.
One day, Jesus came to John to be baptized. When John saw Jesus, he hesitated, knowing that Jesus was without sin and did not need to repent like the others. However, Jesus insisted, saying, “Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” (Matthew 3:15)
So John baptized Jesus in the Jordan River. As Jesus came up out of the water, the heavens were opened, and the Holy Spirit descended upon him in the form of a dove. At the same time, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:17)
This event is significant for several reasons. First, it marks the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry. Prior to this, Jesus had been living a relatively quiet life as a carpenter in the town of Nazareth. But after his baptism, he began to travel throughout Judea, preaching and performing miracles.
Second, Jesus’ baptism serves as a confirmation of his identity as the Son of God. The voice from heaven and the descent of the Holy Spirit are both signs that Jesus is not just a ordinary man, but the long-awaited Messiah, the Savior of the world.
Finally, Jesus’ baptism demonstrates his humility and willingness to submit to God’s will. Despite being sinless and without need of repentance, Jesus willingly submitted to John’s baptism, showing his obedience to God’s plan for his life.