From Glory to Glory
Step 9
Harmony of the Gospels- Matt.3:13-17, Mark 1:9-11, Luke 3:21-22, John 1:19-34
Last week, we ended with Jesus coming home to Nazareth from Jerusalem. At the time, He was twelve years old. At this age, according to Jewish tradition, he was considered an adult.
This is the last we know about Jesus from Scripture until He is thirty at His baptism.
* “Now Jesus Himself began His ministry at about thirty years of age, being (as was supposed) the son of Joseph, the son of Heli,” Luke 3:23 NKJV
Look at Numbers 4:1-3
Step 9: From Nazareth to Bethbara on the Jordan River John 1:19-34
* “This is He of whom I said, ‘After me comes a Man who is preferred before me, for He was before me.’ I did not know Him; but that He should be revealed to Israel, therefore I came baptizing with water.” And John bore witness, saying, “I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and He remained upon Him. I did not know Him, but He who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘Upon whom you see the Spirit descending, and remaining on Him, this is He who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ And I have seen and testified that this is the Son of God.”
John 1:30-34 NKJV
Significance of Jesus’ Baptism
Historical Context. Jesus’ baptism by John the Baptist is a key event in the New Testament, described in the synoptic Gospels: Matthew, Mark, and Luke. It is believed to have occurred around AD 28/29. This event is considered one of the two historically certain facts about Jesus, alongside his crucifixion.
Act of Baptism.
Baptize = transliterated from the Greek word Baptizo, which means to dip, immerse, or submerge for religious purposes. Discuss Transliterated vs Translation
Reasons for Baptism
Identification with Sinners: Although Jesus was sinless, he chose to be baptized to identify with humanity and its sins. This act symbolized his willingness to take on the sins of the world.
- “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” II Corinthians 5:21 NKJV
* “Therefore I will divide Him a portion with the great, And He shall divide the spoil with the strong, Because He poured out His soul unto death, And He was numbered with the transgressors, And He bore the sin of many, And made intercession for the transgressors.”
Isaiah 53:12 NKJV
Fulfillment of Righteousness: Jesus stated that his baptism was necessary “to fulfill all righteousness.” This indicates his obedience to God’s will and the establishment of a model for believers.
- “But Jesus answered and said to him, “Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he allowed Him.” Matthew 3:15 NKJV
Institution of Baptism: By being baptized, Jesus sanctified the act of baptism itself, giving it significance as a sacrament for his followers. It is symbolic of receiving forgiveness and entering into a relationship with God.
- “Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.” Romans 6:4 NKJV
Theological Implications
Baptism has nothing to do with salvation. Baptism symbolizes death, burial and resurrection of a follower of Jesus.
- “There is also an antitype “ foreshadowing or symbol” which now saves us—baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,” I Peter 3:21 NKJV
The Trinity at His Baptism
This is the first time in the Bible that the Holy Trinity is clearly manifested.
- “When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” Matthew 3:16-17 NKJV
It is also the first of three times that the Father speaks from Heaven concerning His Son.
- “While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!” Matthew 17:5 NKJV
- “Now My soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save Me from this hour’? But for this purpose I came to this hour. Father, glorify Your name.” Then a voice came from heaven, saying, “I have both glorified it and will glorify it again.”
John 12:27-28 NKJV
Jesus’ baptism serves as a profound symbol of the gospel message. It represents the “wonderful exchange,” where Jesus, the sinless one, takes on the sins of humanity, allowing believers to receive righteousness through him. This act foreshadows his ultimate sacrifice on the cross, where he would fully bear the sins of the world.
In summary, Jesus’ baptism was a pivotal moment that marked the beginning of his public ministry and underscored the significance of baptism in the Christian faith.
Today, baptism has nothing to do with your salvation. Baptism symbolizes the death, burial, and resurrection of a follower of Jesus. By being baptized, you are testifying to the world that you are a Child of God.
I read say “Today baptism has nothing to do with salvation.” Not like during Yahushua (Jesus) and his Apostles, mean they did with people but at present day not the same?