Jesus’ Baptism
The Beginning of Jesus’ Earthly Ministry
John the Baptist is a prophet who fulfills the prophetic announcement of Israel’s restoration. And we are told that John is proclaiming the coming of the Messiah, calling for repentance, and baptizing Israelites from Jerusalem and the surrounding regions in the Jordan River.
This is a very intentional prophetic act. John is having the people pass through the waters to renew their commitment to the God of Israel. Just as the Israelites were led through the waters of the Jordan under Joshua’s leadership, the people were once again going through the waters of the Jordan with another prophetic leader and ushering in the fulfillment of Israel’s new restoration and deliverance. It’s another replaying of the Exodus. As they pass through the waters, they repent of Israel's faithlessness and covenantal compromise and prepare to be the new Israel that God is going to form when the promised Messiah arrives.
John the Baptist
Jesus Christ
Each Gospel account highlights the story of Jesus going down to the Jordan River to be baptized. In Jesus’ baptism, he goes into the waters and back out again.
Mark 1:9-11 (ESV)
In those days Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. Immediately coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opening, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him; and a voice came out of the heavens: “You are my beloved son, in you I am well pleased.”
