As we continued our series “Power in Preparation” this past weekend at Eastbrook Church we explored the brief but highly significant episode of Jesus’ baptism by John in Matthew 3:13-17. This passage caused a lot of debate in the early church, primarily around the question: why did Jesus, who was without sin, need to be baptized with John’s baptism of repentance? While I do address that question in this message, my focus moves from four key theological truths of Jesus’ baptism toward application of that truth for a baptismal spirituality for our life with God.

You can view the message video and outline below. You can follow along with the entire series here and the devotional that accompanies the series here. You could always join us for weekend worship in-person or remotely via Eastbrook at Home.

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“Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John.”  (Matthew 3:13)

Facts of Jesus’ Baptism

• timing
• setting

Theological Truths of Jesus’ Baptism

• Representative Messiah: John’s hesitation and Jesus’ purpose
• The Descent of the Dove: the coming of the Holy Spirit
• Jesus the Unique Son of God: The declaration of the Father
• The Triune God Revealed: The Son’s baptism, the Spirit’s descent, the Father’s declaration

Spiritual Implications of Jesus’ Baptism

• The pattern of dying and rising in baptism and the spiritual life (Romans 6:1-14)
• The call to suffering in baptism and the spiritual life (Mark 10:38-40)
• The joy of God’s delight in baptism and the spiritual life (Matthew 3:17; Acts 2:38)

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Dig Deeper

This week dig deeper into the significance of Jesus’ baptism in one or more of the following ways:

• Memorize the Father’s declaration over Jesus in Matthew 3:17
• Set aside some time this week to read Matthew 3:13-17 again. Then write, draw, paint, or pray aloud your own response to this series of events in Jesus’ life.
• Explore the theme of baptism in the New Testament through these Scripture readings:
  • Matthew 21:23-27
  • Mark 10:35-45
  • Luke 12:49-53
  • Acts 19:3-6
  • Romans 6:1-14
  • Colossians 2:9-12
• Although it is drawn from the Gospel of Luke, you may enjoy watching “The Baptism of Jesus” by the Bible Project