The Bible doesn’t tell as much about most of Jesus’ life. We learn about His miraculous birth in Bethlehem, the Angels singing their songs to the shepherds, the Miraculous star in the sky that led the Magi to Jesus, the flight into Egypt to escape the wrath of King Herod, a couple visits to Jerusalem and the Temple, and that’s about it. The Bible focuses on the last three years of Jesus’ life; those three years where He assumed the work of the Messiah, the Christ, the Savior of the world. Jesus’ Baptism begins this work officially: His Baptism is portrayed as a Commissioning service; like an Ordination into the “Office of Savior” – the One who will do the work of salvation for us all.

Jesus’ Baptism is a big deal. John knows it, for he resisted baptizing Jesus at first, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and you come to me?” Jesus explains the significance when He said, “Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” If that was not enough, the Holy Spirit appears in the form of a dove coming down from heaven and landing on Jesus. And if that was not enough, God the Father, who rarely speaks in Scripture, declares from Heaven that “This is My beloved Son, with Whom I am well pleased.” It is the only public appearance of the Holy Trinity recorded in the history of the world.

Jesus’ Baptism is a big deal. He who had no sin to be washed away gathers up our sins and our guilt in the water and places it upon Himself. He is the Lamb of God who is now carrying our sin upon Himself; He will take it into Jerusalem where He will suffer and die in our place. Our sin and our guilt is nailed to the cross. Jesus’ Baptism is the official beginning of His work as the Savior of the world!

The importance of Jesus’ Baptism reminds us of the significance of our Baptisms as well. Your baptism is a big deal!

Baptism is 100% God at work with His grace, mercy, and salvation in your life.

We call it “Holy” Baptism to signify that it belongs to God and is His work in your life.
• In Baptism God washes you clean from your sins
• In Baptism God buries you with Christ and raises you to new life
• In Baptism God gives you new birth of water and His Spirit
• In Baptism God declares you His child and gives you His Name
• In Baptism you are declared holy and well pleasing in His sight
• In Baptism God pronounces you not guilty of your sins, you are righteous in Christ

Baptism is 100% God at work with His grace, mercy and salvation in your life.

Amen!