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Bible Question: Why was Jesus baptized and what was the importance of that? Why
then did He not baptize anyone else?
Bible Answer: The baptism of Jesus is recorded in Matthew, Mark and Luke. The
gospel of John only refers to an event that would occur during
the baptism of Jesus (John 1:32) . Matthew provides us with the
most detail. Here is the passage,
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Then Jesus arrived from Galilee at the Jordan coming to John,
to be baptized by him. But John tried to prevent Him, saying,
"I have need to be baptized by You, and do You come to me?" But
Jesus answering said to him, "Permit it at this time; for in this
way it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness." . . .
And after being baptized . . . (NASB) Matthew 3:13-16 |
What a curious statement Jesus makes! The Greek says that John
kept trying and trying to prevent Jesus from being baptized. But
Jesus explained that the reason He should be baptized was " .
. . to fulfill all righteousness." Jesus does not provide further
explanation, and so we are not really sure what He means. One
fact is clear, however, this is a fulfillment of God's plan. Jesus
was the sinless God-man and so His baptism was not an act of repentance
from sin. Mark 1:4 says that John the Baptist's baptism was a
symbol of "repentance for the forgiveness of sins."
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John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness preaching a baptism
of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. (NASB) Mark 1:4 |
That is a negative meaning of baptism. On the positive side, baptism
actually expresses a desire to live a righteous life - to be holy
just like God. Jesus is God.
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. . . because it is written, "YOU SHALL BE HOLY, FOR I AM HOLY."
(NASB) 1 Peter 1:16 |
As the God-man, Jesus declared His desire to live a holy life
even though He was already holy. We believe that is why John the
Baptist did not want to baptize Jesus. He was already holy. He
did not need a baptism unto repentance. But Jesus wanted to be
baptized as a symbol of a desire to live a holy life while He
was living as a man on earth. He purposed to fulfill all righteousness
- all holiness! I am guessing, but I believe that is what Jesus
was saying.
Jesus Never Baptized. The gospel of John tells us that Jesus' disciples were the ones
who were baptizing. Scripture does not record any instance of
Jesus baptizing anyone.
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After these things Jesus and His disciples came into the land
of Judea, and there He was spending time with them and baptizing.
And John also was baptizing in Aenon near Salim, because there
was much water there . . . (NASB) John 3:22-23
When therefore the Lord knew that the Pharisees had heard that
Jesus was making and baptizing more disciples than John (although
Jesus Himself was not baptizing, but His disciples were) . . .
(NASB) John 4:1-2 |
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