Why did Jesus need to be baptized?

A:

That is an excellent question! The fact that Jesus was sinless yet submitted himself to baptism leads us to ask, “why?”

Let’s begin with Jesus’ cousin, John the Baptist. John’s baptism was a precursor to Christ. It was done as a call for repentance and preparation of the coming Christ. Yet, Jesus was perfect and without sin and still asked for John to Baptize Him. John, aware of Jesus’ sinless nature and divine authority, expressed his humility and unworthiness when he hesitated to baptize Jesus. As is written in the Gospel of Matthew 3:14-15, “John tried to stop Him. He said, “I need to be baptized by You. Do You come to me? ” Jesus said to him, “Let it be done now. We should do what is right.” John agreed and baptized Jesus.

Jesus’ baptism was a lesson in obedience and faith. Let us remember that Christ came to the earth both fully man and fully God. Thus, His baptism not only marked the official beginning of His public ministry but affirmed His position as the Messiah and Son of God which set an example of obedience in faith while demonstrating humility in the human condition. In essence, it affirmed Jesus’ connection and identity with all humanity including sinners. “Jesus ate in Matthew’s house. Many men who gathered taxes and many who were sinners came to Matthew’s house and sat down with Jesus and His followers. The proud religious law-keepers saw this. They said to the followers of Jesus, “Why does your Teacher eat with men who gather taxes and with sinners?” Jesus heard them and said, “People who are well do not need a doctor” (Matthew 9:10-12). By demonstration of Baptism and further actions of engaging all men, Christ displays His desire to bring all His people to His Kingdom.

The act of baptism is also an essential element of Christian faith. It symbolizes the start of a new life with Christ via a repentance on our part and a promise that our sins are washed away. “Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in Heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded of you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:18-20).