Read Luke 3:21-38
Why is Christ baptized? John’s baptizing was a baptism of repentance; did Jesus need to repent? John’s baptism was with water, while it was said Jesus would baptize with fire and the Holy Spirit. In this situation, we see not only water but also the Holy Spirit; yet we don’t see fire. So what kind of baptism was this and what does it all mean?
Jesus had no need to be baptized by John because he had no need to repent. John’s baptism of repentance was to prepare people for Jesus, to turn people to Jesus. In this action Jesus submits himself to this baptism, taking His place among sinners, beginning to position Himself as the substitute for sinners.
In Jesus’ baptism He is also anointed by the Holy Spirit who descends upon Him as a dove. He receives the verbal testimony of the Father declaring, “This is My Son.” With this, Jesus begins His journey: God coming as man, now identified with sinful humanity (though He knew no sin), and is directed to where He will be baptized with fire (the fire of God’s wrath for sin – the cross). Jesus later tells His disciples about this baptism of fire He must endure (Luke 12:49-50).
Following His death and resurrection, Jesus commanded His church to baptize in the name of God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This is not the same as John’s baptism. We are baptized into Christ: Though water is still used, now the Holy Spirit is poured out. The Son is our substitution so that the baptismal fire we experience is not God’s wrath but rather a refining/purifying fire. We are incorporated into Christ and adopted by the Father who confirms, “This is my child.”
Prayer: Lord, thank You for forgiving me, filling me with Your Spirit, and claiming me as Your child. Help me live each day as a new creation and keep me confident in the promises of my baptism. Amen.