Why Was Jesus Baptized?

Jesus’ Journey to Resurrection – Part 1

Why Was Jesus Baptized?
Pastor Terry Wilcox

Matthew 3:13-17

Jesus’ baptism is his first recorded event as an adult.
All four gospel writers record it.

John 1:31 (NIV)
Matthew 3:5-6 (NIV)
Matthew 3:11 (NIV)

To baptize means to dip or immerse and refers to ritual and spiritual cleansing by washing in water.

Exodus 29:21 (NIV)
Leviticus 8:6 (NIV)
Exodus 30:17-21 (NIV)
Leviticus 16:1-28 (NIV)
Leviticus 11:24-40 (NIV)

Matthew 3:11 (NLT) tells us John’s baptism was available to all “who repent of their sins and turn to God.”

The journey toward the victory and joy of the resurrection begins with confession and repentance.

Let’s be clear: I am not saying that our sins are forgiven because we are baptized.

Our sins are forgiven because the Just and Righteous God Almighty extended grace and mercy to us by accepting the sacrifice of His only Son on the cross of Calvary as payment for our sin debt!

“What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus!”

2 Timothy 3:16 (NIV)
1 John 1:8-10 (NIV)

Being baptized by John was the action people took to indicate that they decided to live differently.