Jesus’ Baptism
John bore witness, saying, “I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and He remained upon Him. I did not know Him, but He who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘Upon whom you see the Spirit descending, and remaining on Him, this is He who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ And I have seen and testified that this is the Son of God.” John 1:32-34
Matthew, Mark, and Luke all record Jesus’ baptism by John in a similar way—the initial event of Jesus’ ministry. The Apostle John, however, addresses Jesus’ baptism only indirectly through the comments of John the Baptizer. God had informed John the Baptizer that he would be able to identify the promised Savior when he observed “the Spirit descending and remaining on Him.” This happened at Jesus’ baptism. Note John’s observation that Jesus would baptize not just with water but with the Holy Spirit. John thereby directs our eyes to Jesus’ gift of the Holy Spirit both at the time of Pentecost and our own baptisms.
Jesus, before His ascension, informed His disciples: “John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 1:5) Peter, on Pentecost, identified that baptism of the Holy Spirit with the Lord’s promise recorded in Joel: “It shall come to pass in the last days, says God, that I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh.” (Acts 2:17a) Later Peter appealed to all those listening: “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 2:38)
Today we receive that gift of the Holy Spirit at our baptisms. Our God has promised: “In every place where I record My name I will come to you, and I will bless you.” (Exodus 20:24b) Let us praise God for His Spirit who leads us to repentance and brings us faith, forgiveness, hope, life, and joy!
Dear heavenly Father, we praise You for the gift of the Holy Spirit. May He dwell within our hearts, confirming our faith and sanctifying our lives until we stand before You in heaven. Amen.