Baptism of Christ
- Dates
- 27 AD
Jesus comes from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by his cousin, John, to fulfill all righteousness.
In detail
It was now the autumn of a.d. 27, and John the Baptist had, possibly, been preaching for about six months (see on Matt. 3:1). The autumn was the time of three important festivals: (1) Rosh Hashanah, or the festival of the blowing of the trumpets (see Vol. I, p. 709 see on Lev. 23:24 Num. 29:1) (2) Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement (see Vol. I, pp. 705, 706, 710 see on Ex. 30:10 Lev. 16) (3) the Feast of Tabernacles (see Vol. I, p. 710 see on Ex. 23:16 Lev. 23:34). At the third festival all males were expected to appear before the Lord at Jerusalem (Ex. 23:14—17).
Inasmuch as the baptism of Christ occurred in the autumn, it is reasonable to think that it may have been in connection with His presence there at this festal season. When Jesus heard of the message proclaimed by John He recognized His call. This marked the close of His private life in Nazareth and the commencement of His three and a half years of public ministry, from the autumn of a.d. 27 to the spring of a.d. 31.
Though Jesus and John were related by blood, they had had no direct acquaintance. John had heard of the events connected with the birth and childhood of Jesus, and believed Him to be the Messiah. Also, it had been revealed to John that the Messiah would seek baptism at his hands, and that a sign would then be given identifying Him as the Messiah. John was impressed with the perfection of the character of the One standing before him and with his own need as a sinner.
Bible passages
- Matthew 3:13-17
13 Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. 14 But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me? 15 And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him. …
- Mark 1:9-11
9 And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan. 10 And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him: 11 And there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
- Luke 3:21-22
21 Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened, 22 And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.
- John 1:29-34
29 The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. 30 This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me. 31 And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water. …
Text of the King James Version.
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