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The baptism of Jesus Christ is one of the most significant events in the history of salvation. It marks the beginning of his public ministry and reveals his identity as the Son of God and the Messiah. It also shows us the mystery of the Holy Trinity and the dignity of our own baptism.
The baptism of Jesus is recorded in all four Gospels, but with some variations. Matthew, Mark and Luke agree that Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan River to be baptized by John the Baptist, who was preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. John recognized Jesus as the one who was to come after him, and hesitated to baptize him, saying, "I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?" (Matthew 3:14). Jesus replied, "Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness" (Matthew 3:15). Then John consented and baptized Jesus.
As soon as Jesus came up out of the water, the heavens were opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased" (Matthew 3:16-17). Mark and Luke have similar accounts, except that they record the voice from heaven as addressing Jesus directly: "You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased" (Mark 1:11; Luke 3:22).
John's Gospel does not describe the baptism itself, but rather John's testimony about it. He says that he saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on Jesus. And he declares, "I have seen and I testify that this is God's Chosen One" (John 1:34).
The baptism of Jesus reveals several truths about him and his mission. First, it shows that he is the Son of God, the beloved of the Father, who has sent him into the world. The voice from heaven confirms what the angel Gabriel had announced to Mary at the annunciation: "He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High" (Luke 1:32). The baptism also fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah: "Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him, and he will bring justice to the nations" (Isaiah 42:1).
Second, it shows that he is the Messiah, the anointed one, who has come to inaugurate the kingdom of God. The Spirit descending on him is a sign of his messianic consecration and empowerment. As Peter later preached, "God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and ... he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him" (Acts 10:38). The baptism also fulfills the prophecy of Psalm 2: "You are my son; today I have become your father. Ask me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession" (Psalm 2:7-8).
Third, it shows that he is the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. By submitting to John's baptism, Jesus identifies himself with sinners and expresses his solidarity with them. He also anticipates his own death and resurrection, which will be the ultimate act of atonement for our sins. As Paul later wrote, "God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God" (2 Corinthians 5:21). The baptism also fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah: "He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; ... and by his wounds we are healed" (Isaiah 53:5).
The baptism of Jesus not only reveals his identity and mission, but also invites us to share in them through our own baptism. In baptism, we are united with Christ in his death and resurrection, and we receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, who makes us children of God and heirs of his kingdom. We are also called to follow Christ in his obedience to the Father's will, in his service to others, and in his witness to the world.
The feast of the Baptism of the Lord celebrates this great mystery of our faith. It reminds us of who Jesus is and what he has done for us. It also reminds us of who we are and what we are called to do as his disciples. Let us renew our baptismal vows today and ask for God's grace to live them out faithfully.