Jesus came to the river Jordan and was baptized by John (who was there baptizing others

for repentance).

While many of us can picture Jesus’ baptism, do we really understand his baptism? My

preaching professor at seminary used to tell us that on the Sunday when we hear the

account of Jesus’ baptism (on the Baptism of Our Lord Sunday), it is almost always used

as a springboard to talk about our own baptisms—but not Jesus’.

I think that this is true for it is easier to think about our own baptism and baptism in

general than to truly wrestle with Jesus’ baptism.

After all, think about what is going on. John is at the river calling people to repent and

then to come and be baptized—symbolizing the washing of their sins—thus becoming an

act of turning towards God. Yet, why is Jesus baptized? Did Jesus sin? Did he need to

repent?

Clearly the answer to these questions is NO! For we believe and confess that Jesus is the

one who is perfect. He is the one who lived a blameless/sinless life in order that he could

become the sacrifice for our sins on the cross. He was perfect, so that his death is the one

that can wash away our sin and redeem the world.

Thus, raising the question again—why was Jesus baptized? Even John realized that

Jesus was different—for he raised the issue by stating that it is Jesus who should in

reality baptize him and not the other way around. Jesus said that he must be baptized to

fulfill all righteousness. But what does this mean? How is Jesus being baptized by John

fulfilling all righteousness?

The Greek word used for righteousness is a complex word and has many different

meanings. Eric Barreto, Luther Seminary Professor of New Testament Studies, says:

‘Thus, "to fulfill all righteousness" likely means acting in obedience to God in a

way that coordinates internal dispositions and external action. Jesus' first steps

in public ministry are a combination of a compliant spirit and a powerful, public

display of his obedience to God's call.’

Thus, Jesus’ baptism is a model of obedience and display of understanding that what he

has come to do is to do the work of the Father and complete this work the way in which

God has planned it to be completed. Immediately after the baptism, Jesus is driven into

the wilderness and tempted by Satan. The temptations test Jesus about how he is going

to fulfill his mission—doing the will of the Father or taking short cuts. Jesus in humbling

himself to be baptized by John is declaring his obedience to the Father—which is

confirmed by God as God opens the heavens and sends the Spirit upon Jesus and declares

his approval with His voice announcing ‘this is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am

well pleased.’