QUESTIONING AUTHORITY #

Jesus’ baptism is directly tied to His divine authority. The chief priests and elders once questioned Him:

Matthew 21:23–27 — “By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?” … Jesus said, “I will also ask you one question … John’s baptism—was it from heaven or from men?” (NET)

Luke 20:1–8 — “John’s baptism—was it from heaven or from people?” … So they replied that they did not know … Jesus said, “Neither will I tell you by whose authority I do these things.” (NET)

This exchange reveals the weight and divine origin of John’s baptism. Jesus linked His authority to it, exposing the religious leaders’ inability to discern God’s working. If they admitted it was from heaven, they’d be forced to acknowledge Jesus’ identity. Their evasion confirmed their spiritual blindness.

ANOINTED AFTER BAPTISM #

Acts 10:37–38 — “You know the things that happened throughout Judea, starting in Galilee after the baptism preached by John—how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with great power …” (AMP)

The anointing came after Jesus came out of the water. At that moment:

• The Holy Spirit descended as a dove
• A voice from heaven declared Him the beloved Son
• Power and authority followed immediately after

This marked the beginning of His public ministry and confirmed Him as the anointed One (Greek: Christos), not merely in title but by heavenly ordination.

SYMBOL OF THE BURNT OFFERING #

John 1:29 — “Look! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (AMP)

John didn’t say sins (plural), but sin (singular), referring to the nature of sin. Jesus came to deal with the very root. This echoes Leviticus:

Leviticus 1:9 — “Then the priest shall wash the entrails and the legs with water … a burnt offering, an offering made by fire, a sweet aroma to the Lord.” (NKJV)

Just like the burnt offering was washed before sacrifice, Jesus, too, had to be “washed” before presenting Himself. His baptism was not for repentance but for fulfilment—as the acceptable sacrifice.

THE VOICE FROM HEAVEN #

Matthew 3:17 — “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased and delighted!” (AMP)

Mark 1:11 — “You are My beloved Son—in You I am well-pleased and delighted!” (AMP)

Luke 3:22 — “You are My beloved Son, in You I am well-pleased and delighted!” (AMP)

This divine voice wasn’t just affirmation—it was installation. Jesus was being declared the true Servant of Isaiah:

Isaiah 42:1 — “Here is My Servant … My chosen one in whom I delight. I have put My Spirit upon Him …” (NET)

Psalms 2:7 — “You are My Son, today I have begotten You.” (NET)

The Father was placing His Spirit on Jesus for a purpose: to begin a new covenant and initiate a new kind of kingdom.

THE NEW AND THE OLD #

Notice this detail:

“As Jesus came up out of the water…” (Mark 1:10)

He wasn’t anointed while in the water, but after He came out. This is a sign of judgment, separation, and transition.

• Leaving the water = leaving behind the old (natural Israel, temple system, priesthood)
• Coming up = entering into the new (spiritual kingdom, new priesthood, heavenly calling)

JESUS, THE TRUE MAN #

Jesus was not only the Son of God but the Son of Man—a Man declared righteous and acceptable before God on behalf of all:

1 Timothy 2:5 — “There is one God, and one Mediator between God and mankind, the Man Christ Jesus.” (AMP)

Acts 2:22 — “Jesus the Nazarene, a Man attested and pointed out to you by God with miracles …” (AMP)

Isaiah 66:2 — “I will look favourably on the one who is humble and contrite in spirit …” (AMP)

Jesus was the perfect Man who reconciled heaven and earth by entering the waters and fulfilling all righteousness.

BURNT SACRIFICE AND IDENTIFICATION #

Like the burnt offering, Jesus was sacrificed once for all:

Galatians 2:20 — “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me …” (AMP)

We too must identify with His death, washing, and sacrifice. In Him, the old is removed, and the new is installed. Baptism symbolises this death and resurrection:

Romans 6:4 — “We have been buried with Him through baptism into death … so we too might walk in newness of life.” (NASB)

KINGDOM DECLARATION #

After His baptism, Jesus began His ministry with these words:

Mark 1:15 — “The appointed period of time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent [change your inner self] and believe the good news [of salvation].” (AMP)

The kingdom He brought was not of this world. His baptism marked the inauguration of a spiritual kingdom that would be fully realised through His death and resurrection.

FULFILMENT, NOT RITUAL #

Let us not reduce Jesus’ baptism to a ritual to copy without understanding. He was fulfilling:

• The law and the prophets
• The burnt offering typology
• The transition from the old to the new covenant
• His anointing as the Christ
• His installation as High Priest and King

Hebrews 10:5–7 — “A body You have prepared for Me … I have come … to do Your will, O God.” (AMP)

In His baptism, Jesus entered publicly into that body and began His ministry of redemption.

In Christ,
Shaliach.