Baptism of Jesus

QUESTION: Baptism of Jesus - Was it necessary?

ANSWER:

In the days of Jesus, a Gentile would need to be baptized publicly to identify himself as a convert to Judaism. However, it is important to note that Jesus was not converting. The baptism of Jesus served as an identification of Jesus as God's Son and to announce the beginning of His earthly ministry.

Matthew 3:13-17 records the baptism of Jesus this way: "Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. 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 lighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, 'This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.'"

Please note that Jesus did not need the Holy Spirit. However, He wanted to be an example to us, so He emptied Himself and relied upon the power of the Holy Spirit. Philippians 2:5-7 says, "Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness." The baptism of Jesus and His reliance upon the Holy Spirit serves as an example for us.