Week 3: The Baptism of Jesus

“After his baptism, as Jesus came up out of the water, the heavens were opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and settling on him. And a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy.’” —Matthew 3:16-17

Jesus’ baptism publicly affirmed him as the Son of God, marked the beginning of his ministry, and symbolized his connection with humanity. 

This moment is a unique instance in the scriptures when all three persons of the Trinity are visible: the Father’s voice, the Son in the water, and the Spirit descending. 

At this point, Jesus had lived about 30 years in obscurity. No miracles were recorded. No public ministry. No crowds gathered.

This moment marks a turning point.

According to the New Testament, Jesus did not perform miracles, engage in public ministry, or choose his disciples before his baptism and receiving of the Holy Spirit. 

Scripture tells us that Jesus performed miracles by the power of the Holy Spirit, who descended upon him at his baptism, rather than by his own preexisting human power. 

• Acts 10:38: “And you know that God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. Then Jesus went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.”
• Matthew 12:28: “But if I am casting out demons by the Spirit of God, then the Kingdom of God has arrived among you.”
• Luke 4:14: “Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread through the whole countryside.”

Though Jesus was fully God (John 1:1), he was also fully human (Phil. 2:6-8). You and I must not lose sight of this—it is the hinge on which the door of the gospel swings. 

This is why Jesus’ baptism is so significant.

Jesus came up out of the water, anointed, affirmed, and empowered—and everything that followed flowed from that place.

Not only did God publicly identify Jesus as his son, but Jesus also identified with sinful humanity, serving as the perfect bridge between God and us.

Fully God and fully man, Jesus didn’t step into ministry relying on His own strength—He did so in full dependence on the Spirit. He chose submission and obedience to His Father.

And if this was necessary for Jesus, it’s certainly necessary for us. 

We were never meant to live this life in our own strength. 

Holy Spirit, we need You—not only for the extraordinary moments but also for the everyday ones. Teach us what it means to live surrendered—to walk in the same dependence Jesus modeled.