“This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17).
This verse is from the Gospel of Matthew, one of the three synoptic gospels in the New Testament of the Bible, and it talks about baptism Jesus Christ — is celebrated in the Catholic faith on January 12.
Jesus’ baptism “is one of the most important moments in his life, revealing his divine mission, identity and relationship with the Father,” said David Rives, a Tennessee-based Christian author and columnist for Fox News Digital.
During the baptism, “The Spirit descended like a dove and the Father’s voice announced, ‘This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased,'” Rives said.
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This sentence, he said, is “a powerful statement that resonates through time.” It serves to emphasize the “four key truths about Baptism of Christ essential to understanding His identity and mission.”
The first of these key truths, Rives said, is Jesus’ “identity as the Son of God and the Messiah.”
This picture shows Christ’s baptism, at the top is God the Father, the Holy Spirit represented by a dove and Jesus Christ. (VCG Wilson/Corbis via Getty Images)
“This statement not only confirms the identity of Jesus, but also announces to the world that He is the long-awaited Messiah, the Anointed One sent to redeem mankind,” he said.
With the baptism of Jesus Christ, He was “revealed as the fulfillment of prophecy,” Rives said.
Another key truth is the “deep humility” of Jesus Christ, Rives said.
“Despite being the sinless Son of God, He chooses to be baptized – an act which, according to The book of Acts of the Apostlesit is a symbol of the washing away of sins,” he said. “Even this event was symbolic and prophetic of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit that is available to believers in Christ.”
Jesus was not baptized because of any sin — “but to fulfill all righteousness,” Rives said.
“This act sets the tone for His ministry, showing that He did not come to be served, but to serve and identify with those He came to save,” he said.
Christ’s baptism is a symbol of His humility, said the Christian writer. (Heritage Art/Heritage Images via Getty Images)
Rives said that Jesus “is a King who comes not in greatness, but in gentleness, offering his life for the redemption of all mankind.”
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Christ’s baptism, in addition, marked the beginning of His public activity, Rives said – the third key truth.
Before that, “Jesus lived a relatively quiet life in Nazareth.”
“His baptism, however, signals the beginning of His mission. At that time, He begins to reveal Himself as Savior through His teachings, healings and, ultimately, His sacrifice for the sins of the world,” Rives told Fox News Digital.
Jesus’ baptism was more than just a ritual, Rives said. It was “the key point at which His redemptive work begins, leading to His death and resurrection.”
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The fourth of these key truths revealed in Christ’s baptism, Rives said, is “the fullness of the Godhead represented: the Son is baptized in the Jordan River, the Holy Spirit descends like a dove, and the Father’s voice speaks from heaven.”
Above is the place where Jesus is believed to have been baptized in present-day Jordan. (Adri Salido/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
This, he said, is “a powerful scene that reveals God’s plan of salvation, as the Father confirms the Son, the Spirit strengthens the Son for his mission, and the Son humbly submits to the Father’s will.”
Jesus’ baptism is a “nice reminder” for Christians too that they should “work together”. present the Good News Gospel with the world.”
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The story of Christ’s baptism is a look not only into “the heart of Jesus’ ministry, but also into the heart of the gospel itself,” Rives said.
“God’s incredible love, His plan of redemption and His call to boldly declare our faith in Him – symbolized through the act of baptism,” he said.
