Matt 3:13-17 Jesus’ Baptism CLICK TITLE FOR AUDIO

In Jesus’ baptism, we find the purpose and procedure for our baptism. And we find a clear manifestation of the Trinity.

1. Purpose of baptism – To fulfill all righteousness. Jesus was already righteous so he didn’t get baptized to obtain righteousness. He was baptized because it was the right thing to do. Likewise we get baptized, not to obtain righteousness, but because it is the right thing to do.

a. Jesus is righteous – Rom. 10:4, 1 Cor 1:30
b. He gives us his righteousness – 2 Cor 5:21; we get it before baptism Acts 8:37; Acts 10:44-48
c. So, baptism is the right thing to do – Matt 28:19-20; Jesus was baptized, the apostles were baptized and converts throughout the New Testament were baptized following their salvation.

2. Procedure of baptism – Immersion. He went up straightway out of the water. This wouldn’t have been necessary if he had been sprinkled. Other indications that baptism is by immersion:

a. John baptized where there was “much water” – Jn 3:23
b. When the eunuch was baptized, he and Philip “went down both into the water” – Acts 8:38-39
c. Baptism by immersion is the only form of baptism that pictures the death, burial and resurrection – Rom 6:3-5. Burial is more than sprinkling dirt on a coffin; it is a burial where the coffin is covered completely in dirt.

3. The manifestation of the Trinity.

a. Jesus was in the water
b. The Spirit descended in the bodily shape of a dove
c. A voice spake from heaven “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”
d. All three happened at the same time and yet they are still one God – 1 Jn 5:7, Jn 10:30