Matthew tells us that when Jesus came to John to be baptized, John was hesitant:
“And John tried to prevent Him, saying, ‘I need to be baptized by You, and are You coming to me?’ But Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.’ Then he allowed Him.” (Matthew 3:14–15)
Jesus did not need baptism for repentance, since He was sinless. Instead, He was baptized to identify with the people He came to save, to confirm John’s ministry, and to show obedience to the Father’s will. His baptism marked the beginning of His public ministry, showing that He stood in the place of sinners, even though He Himself was without sin.
Mark also records the moment:
“It came to pass in those days that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized by John in the Jordan.” (Mark 1:9)
Mark emphasizes the humility of Jesus, who, though the Son of God, entered into the same waters as the people He came to redeem.
Luke adds that Jesus was baptized along with the multitudes:
“When all the people were baptized, it came to pass that Jesus also was baptized; and while He prayed, the heaven was opened.” (Luke 3:21)
Luke highlights that Jesus’ baptism was an act of prayer and fellowship with His people, while also being the moment when heaven gave clear testimony of His identity.
John does not narrate the baptism itself but records John the Baptist’s witness afterward:
“And John bore witness, saying, ‘I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and He remained upon Him. I did not know Him, but He who sent me to baptize with water said to me, “Upon whom you see the Spirit descending, and remaining on Him, this is He who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.” And I have seen and testified that this is the Son of God.’” (John 1:32–34)
Through His baptism, Jesus identified with sinners, fulfilled righteousness, and received public confirmation as the Son of God. What He did not need for Himself, He did on behalf of His people, showing that He came to take their place.
