John’s Baptism of Jesus
Luke 3:21-22

1. The Son’s Baptism
21  Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying . . .  Luke 3:21 (ESV); John 1:33-34

13  Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him. 14  John would have prevented him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” 15  But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented. Matthew 3:13-15 (ESV)

3 fold role of Jesus’ choice to partake in John’s Baptism

1.      Jesus’ baptism represents an endorsement of John’s ministry and message

2.      Jesus’ baptism shows how Jesus identified himself with people as he began his ministry: the baptism is like an inauguration, a call to begin the mission for which Jesus was always headed.

50  I have a baptism to be baptized with, and how great is my distress until it is accomplished! Luke 12:50 (ESV)

3.      In the anointing of the Spirit, Jesus emerges as the coming one to whom John pointed and who brings the greater baptism. Luke 3:16

2. The Spirit’s Anointing
21   . . . the heavens were opened, 22  and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form, like a dove . . .  Luke 3:21-22 (ESV)

The Spirit’s descending symbolized the Spiritual empowerment, leading, and confirming of Jesus upon His life and ministry. Isaiah 11:1-2; Isaiah 42:1

1  The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; Isaiah 61:1 (ESV)

3. The Father’s Testimony
22   . . .  and a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” Luke 3:21-22 (ESV)

37 And the Father who sent me has himself borne witness about me. His voice you have never heard, his form you have never seen, John 5:37 (ESV); 1 John 5:9-11

There are three parts of the Father’s testimony:

A reference to the Son
7  I will tell of the decree: The LORD said to me, “You are my Son; today I have begotten you. Psalm 2:7 (ESV)

It also echoes God’s declaration of Jesus, Israel’s king and ultimately to Israel’s Messiah.

A reference to the Beloved
8  But you, Israel, my servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen, the offspring of Abraham, my friend; Isaiah 41:8 (ESV)

A reference to God’s being pleased with the Son
The Father was pleased with the Son’s obedience.

1 Behold my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my Spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the nations. Isaiah 42:1 (ESV)