GOD'S TESTIMONY AT JESUS' BAPTISM
Key verse: 17
NIV
The Baptism of Jesus(A)
13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John.(B) 14 But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?”
15 Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented.
16 As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened,(C) and he saw the Spirit of God(D) descending like a dove and alighting on him. 17 And a voice from heaven(E) said, “This is my Son,(F) whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”(G)
Cross references
- Matthew 3:13 : 3:13-17pp — Mk 1:9-11; Lk 3:21, 22; Jn 1:31-34
- Matthew 3:13 : S Mt 3:1; S Mk 1:4
- Matthew 3:16 : Eze 1:1; Jn 1:51; Ac 7:56; 10:11; Rev 4:1; 19:11
- Matthew 3:16 : Isa 11:2; 42:1
- Matthew 3:17 : Dt 4:12; Mt 17:5; Jn 12:28
- Matthew 3:17 : Ps 2:7; Ac 13:33; Heb 1:1-5; 5:5; 2Pe 1:17, 18
- Matthew 3:17 : Isa 42:1; Mt 12:18; 17:5; Mk 1:11; 9:7; Lk 3:22; 9:35; 2Pe 1:17
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Source: BibleGateway
ESV
The Baptism of Jesus
13 (A)Then Jesus came (B)from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him. 14 (C)John would have prevented him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” 15 But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented. 16 And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, (D)the heavens were opened to him,[a] and he (E)saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; 17 and behold, (F)a voice from heaven said, (G)“This is my beloved Son,[b] with whom I am well pleased.”
Read full chapterFootnotes
- Matthew 3:16 Some manuscripts omit to him
- Matthew 3:17 Or my Son, my (or the) Beloved
Cross references
- Matthew 3:13 : For ver. 13-17, see Mark 1:9-11; Luke 3:21, 22; [John 1:32-34]
- Matthew 3:13 : ch. 2:22
- Matthew 3:14 : [John 13:6]
- Matthew 3:16 : Acts 7:56
- Matthew 3:16 : John 1:32, 33; [Luke 4:18, 21; Acts 10:38]
- Matthew 3:17 : John 12:28
- Matthew 3:17 : ch. 17:5; 2 Pet. 1:17; [Ps. 2:7; Isa. 42:1; Eph. 1:6; Col. 1:13; 1 John 5:9]
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
Source: BibleGateway
First, fulfilling all righteousness (13-15)
Jesus began his public ministry by coming to John to be baptized. John knew who Jesus was and was confused because it seemed backwards-he needed to be baptized by Jesus with the Holy Spirit. John wasn't wrong, but it was right for Jesus to begin his ministry with a display of dedication and obedience to God. Jesus was baptized not to repent, but to be commissioned for service as the Messiah.
Second, God the Father and the Holy Spirit testify (16-17)
When Jesus came out of the water after being baptized, John witnessed an extraordinary sight. Heaven opened above Jesus, and the Holy Spirit descended on him in the form of a dove. Then, God's voice spoke from heaven saying that Jesus was his beloved Son who always pleased him. This event has great significance because it was God's direct testimony about Jesus' identity. It is the basis of our faith.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for showing us who Jesus is through his baptism. Help me learn from Jesus how to please you.
One Word: Jesus is God's beloved Son
