A New King is Anointed

The baptism of Jesus is in many ways puzzling. Why did sinless Jesus “need” (14) to be baptized for the forgiveness of sin? How does it “fulfill all righteousness” (15)? Although mystery remains, it is a key moment in history, and it has deep meaning. Jesus’ baptism continues the prophet-king pattern of Israel’s story. Just as prophets like Samuel anointed kings like David, so John anoints Jesus as King of Israel and the world (1 Sam. 10:1; 16:13; 1 Kings 1:39; 19:15,16). Jesus is anointed completely by the Spirit rather than mere oil. Further, God speaks, endorsing his Son and the Davidic King (Psa. 2:7), identifying him with the Servant (Isa. 42:1). The Servant-King has come! 

The image of the Spirit as a dove and the waters recall creation (Gen. 1:2), as this Spirit-imbued Son and new Adam launches a new creation. The tearing of heaven symbolizes the union of heaven and earth, God and humanity, undoing the effects of the fall. Jesus’ baptism speaks of Christ’s identification with fallen humanity and anticipates his death for the sins of the world. His rising from the water points to his resurrection, which will bring eternal life. Jesus’ baptism anticipates our baptism in water and Spirit. It is the first Pentecost, whereby the long-awaited Spirit is shed abroad in the human heart for the first time. It comes after Jesus’ symbolic cleansing from sin. Later, at and after Pentecost, the Spirit will fall on all believers cleansed by faith in the death of Jesus. He rises to do mission, and so do we.

The scene is Trinitarian, with the Spirit descending on the Son and the Father speaking! The words, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased,” also reflect God’s feelings for all his children. We are not only loved and accepted, we are royalty, children of the King.

Bathe in the glorious story of the baptism. Consider what it means for you. Allow God’s words to saturate your soul and rise to do the work of the Kingdom.