The baptism of Jesus is reported in each of the three Synoptic Gospels—Matthew, Mark and Luke. Clearly, it was an event of great significance for Jesus and for the early Christian community. Mark and Luke report the story from Jesus’ perspective; the voice from heaven is addressed to Jesus. Compare this to Matthew’s Gospel in which the voice from heaven speaks to everyone. The baptism of Jesus is considered a manifestation of God in Jesus, another “epiphany.” In all three Synoptic Gospels, all three members of the Trinity are manifested: God the Father in the voice, the Holy Spirit descending, and Jesus the Son.
But why did Jesus ask to be baptized? It was obviously part of his mission in coming to earth. Like previous priests of God, Moses, Nehemiah and Daniel, Jesus was confessing sin on behalf of the people. He was also endorsing John’s ministry of baptism. In addition, in my opinion, most importantly, Jesus was identifying with those who were repenting and was also setting an example for his followers. He was foreshadowing his death, burial and resurrection. Lastly, Jesus was announcing the beginning of his ministry on earth.
John had devoted his life to preparing for the arrival of Jesus. He’d focused all of his energy toward this moment. He was set upon obedience. Yet the very first thing Jesus asked him to do, John resisted. John felt unworthy even to unfasten the shoes of Jesus, yet Jesus said John was the greatest of all prophets. John felt unqualified. I get that and I bet you do too. We’re all called to be a part of Jesus’ on-going mission and ministry, but we hesitate and I can only imagine that it’s because we feel unqualified! Again, I get that—I really do! But God does too! So we mustn’t let our feelings of inadequacy hold us back from our mission. Remember, the God who shapes the burden for the back also shapes the back for the burden!