Jesus was baptized in the Jordan River by John the Baptist. This event is mentioned in the Gospel of Matthew 3:13-17, the Gospel of Mark 1:9-11, the Gospel of Luke 3:21-22, and the Gospel of John 1:29-34,
Matthew 3:13-17
Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. 14 But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented. As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”
Matthew 3:13-17
Mark 1:9-11
At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. Just as Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”
Mark 1:9-11
Luke 3:21-22
When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”
Luke 3:21-22
John 1:29-34
The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!. This is the one I meant when I said, ‘A man who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’ I myself did not know him, but the reason I came baptizing with water was that he might be revealed to Israel.” Then John gave this testimony: “I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him. And I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ I have seen and I testify that this is God’s Chosen One.
John 1:29-34
What does the baptism of Jesus mean in the Bible?
In the Bible, the baptism of Jesus is a significant event that showcases His humility and the commencement of His public ministry. It’s an act full of symbolism and profound meaning, especially regarding obedience and fulfilling God’s righteousness. When Jesus steps into the waters of the Jordan River to be baptized by John the Baptist, He is not confessing sin—since He is without sin—but rather identifying with sinners. His baptism symbolizes the sinless Christ taking the place of sinful humanity, preparing to bear their sins on the cross.
Jesus’ decision to be baptized was also an act of obedience to God’s will. This moment marks a pivotal point in biblical history; it’s not just about water, but about Jesus publicly committing to His Father’s mission. His baptism is His way of saying yes to God’s plan for salvation, a plan that would ultimately lead to the cross.
Moreover, during Jesus’ baptism, the heavens open up and the Holy Spirit descends on Him like a dove, while God’s voice from heaven affirms Jesus, declaring, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” This supernatural occurrence underscores the special relationship between Jesus and God the Father. It’s a clear declaration of Jesus’ divinity and His unique role as the Savior.
The presence of the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove is also deeply symbolic. It represents peace, purity, and God’s Spirit anointing Jesus for the work He was about to undertake. This moment signifies that Jesus is empowered by the Holy Spirit not only to preach and perform miracles but ultimately to offer His life as a ransom for many.
For believers today, Jesus’ baptism is a model of faithfulness and commitment. It invites us to reflect on our own baptism as a step of obedience—where we too are called to die to our old selves and rise anew in Christ. It serves as a reminder that, through baptism, we are cleansed, reborn, and set on a path to follow Jesus’ example, living out the righteousness of God in our own lives.
Thus, the baptism of Jesus is a cornerstone of faith—a declaration of His mission and identity, and a powerful example of His humility and readiness to embrace God’s will. It marks the beginning of His sacrificial journey towards the cross, a journey undertaken out of profound love for humanity and obedience to the Father.