Matthew 3:13-17: Why was Jesus Baptized?

This week I’m teaching the adult Bible class at the Wellandport Church in Wainfleet, Ontario, Canada.

Our theme is “The Name of Jesus.” It highlights His greatness by considering 5 names of Jesus that identify Him in a unique and special way. Messiah. Nazarene. Lord. Almighty. And Savior.

It’s a study that provides deeper insight into who Jesus is. His character. Personality Mission. Ministry. And message. We also see a paradox in Jesus as both man and God.

The 4th century theologian Gregory of Nazianzus offers this stirring, but paradoxical tribute to Jesus.

He began His ministry by being hungry, yet He is the Bread of Life.

Jesus ended His earthly ministry by being thirsty, yet He is the Living Water.

Jesus was weary, yet He is our rest.

Jesus paid tribute, yet He is the King.

Jesus was accused of having a demon, yet He cast out demons.

Jesus wept, yet He wipes away our tears.

Jesus was sold for thirty pieces of silver, yet He redeemed the world.

Jesus was brought as a lamb to the slaughter, yet He is the Good Shepherd.

Jesus died, yet by His death He destroyed the power of death.

Another paradox is found in today’s passage, one that is often pondered, discussed, and debated. Why was Jesus baptized? If baptism is “for the remission of sins” (Ax. 2:38), and Jesus was sinless (1 Pet. 2:21-22), then why was He baptized (Matt. 3:13-17)?

Bible commentator, Warren Wiersbe suggest six plausible reasons.

1. Obligation. The text says “to fulfill all righteousness.” Jesus’ life was about pleasing the Father (Jn 8:29). This was one way in which He demonstrated it.

2. Consecration. Since the Old Testament priests were ceremonially cleaned before being anointed, Jesus’ submission to water baptism was a symbol. Then the Holy Spirit came to signify it.

3. Commendation. While the religious leaders rejected John’s baptism, Jesus demonstrated his acceptance and approval of John’s ministry.

4. Proclamation. This was a way for Jesus’ to be officially introduced to the Jewish nation as the coming Messiah (Jn. 1:31).

5. Anticipation. This water baptism at the beginning of Jesus’ ministry was a precursor to another baptism at the conclusion of his ministry–the baptism of suffering for us on the cross (Lk. 12:50).

6. Identification. Jesus identified with the sinful people He came to save. We’re reminded in this act how his humanity relates to our fears, needs, and hopes.

While these answers may not solve all of our questions, they provide some food for thought. R. C. Sproul offers this observation. “In His baptism, Jesus identified Himself with sinners and showed that He had come to take their place under God’s judgment.”

Of course, while Jesus died for us, he can’t be baptized for us. Nor can He take our place in obeying God’s Word. We are called upon to hear Him. Follow Him. Obey Him. Serve Him. And strive to be more like Him.

Our commitment and consecration to His cause begins by accepting and obeying His command. “He who believes and is baptized shall be saved” (Mk. 16:16).

An unidentified author in Leadership magazine offered this insight. “In baptism we are initiated, crowned, chosen, embraced, washed, adopted, gifted, reborn, killed, and thereby sent forth and redeemed. We are identified as one of God’s own, then assigned our place and our job within the kingdom of God.”

Finally N. T. Wright shared this compelling thought. “In baptism, you are brought into the story of Jesus, you become part of the new creation, God’s new world, and it is not just a symbol—it is a sacrament.”

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman