Why does Jesus get baptised? If John’s baptism was about repentance from previous wrongdoings, then why does Jesus do it? Surely Jesus had nothing to repent from? John clearly shares these thoughts for we read that he tries to talk Jesus out of it, saying ‘you’re the one who should be baptising me!’ (verse 14).
Jesus’ answer suggests that he isn’t getting baptised as a sign of repentance. Rather, he does it because he needs to ‘fulfil all righteousness’. Part of Jesus’ mission was to exemplify, or to embody, the perfect human response to God, and this necessarily involves a turning towards God, a submitting to His purposes for your life.
In response to Jesus’ obedience in baptism God the Father declares that He is pleased with him. Jesus is the only human being who has completely met all of God’s expectations. Jesus is unique in this.
Jesus led the perfect life not so that we don’t have to, but because we couldn’t. Ultimately Jesus’ obedience took him to the cross where he suffered and died. Take some time out today to thank him for his obedient life. He did it out of love for you.
