The Baptism of Jesus

ByJim Stephens

Reading: Luke 3:15-22

15 Everyone was expecting the Messiah to come soon, and they were eager to know whether John might be the Messiah. 16 John answered their questions by saying, “I baptize you with water; but someone is coming soon who is greater than I am—so much greater that I’m not even worthy to be his slave and untie the straps of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. 17 He is ready to separate the chaff from the wheat with his winnowing fork. Then he will clean up the threshing area, gathering the wheat into his barn but burning the chaff with never-ending fire.” 18 John used many such warnings as he announced the Good News to the people. 19 John also publicly criticized Herod Antipas, the ruler of Galilee, for marrying Herodias, his brother’s wife, and for many other wrongs he had done. 20 So Herod put John in prison, adding this sin to his many others. 21 One day when the crowds were being baptized, Jesus himself was baptized. As he was praying, the heavens opened, 22 and the Holy Spirit, in bodily form, descended on him like a dove. And a voice from heaven said, “You are my dearly loved Son, and you bring me great joy.” (Luke 3:15-22 NLT)

Matthew and Mark also tell the story of John’s Baptism of his cousin Jesus. Each of the Gospel writers emphasizes different things in their accounts of the Baptism of Jesus. Interestingly, Luke puts the note about John’s criticism of Herod and Herod’s imprisonment of John (Luke 3:19-20) ahead of his account of John baptizing Jesus.

Here are the things that stood out to me today from Luke’s account:

  • Vs 15) Everyone was expecting the Messiah to come soon, so they were eager to know whether John might be the Messiah. In times of turmoil, people look for a quick, easy fix or escape. We can be easily manipulated and misled. Don’t be deceived by false Saviors, big promises, and easy fixes!
  • Vs 16) People asked if John was the Messiah. John’s words about the supremacy of Jesus, and John’s humility and ability to recognize his own role in God’s plan speak volumes about John’s character. More about noble John the Baptist later!
  • Vs 21-22) The presence of The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit all at one time in one place. The Father’s love for his Son. Jesus had done no miracles yet, nor healings or teachings recorded in scripture. He’d simply been obedient to his parents, growing strong and healthy, and preparing for the call.

Prayer:

Father, Please help us be like John in humility, and like Jesus in unity with the Father and the Spirit. Help my friends and me not to be deceived by false saviors, big promises, and “easy fixes”, and may we be one as you are one! For your Kingdom’s sake! Amen.