A Biblical Vision, Part II: Mastering the New Testament Witness to Christ

Ses s i on 2: The Gospe l s : The Man i fes tat i on of Chr i s t , Par t I 51

1. John’s deep ambivalence to baptizing Jesus (especially, as it was a baptism connected with repentance and forgiveness), Matt. 3.13-17

2. Revelation of the Trinity at Jesus’ baptism, Mark 1.9-11 – In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. [10] And when he came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens opening and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. [11] And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” 3. Took place when Jesus was about thirty years of age, Luke 3.21-23 – Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heavens were opened, [22] and the Holy Spirit de scended on him in bodily form, like a dove; and a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” [23] Jesus, when he began his ministry, was about thirty years of age, being the son (as was supposed) of Joseph, the son of Heli. 4. Baptism as divine confirmation that Jesus of Nazareth was the Messiah, God’s anointed Lord, John 1.32-34 – And John bore witness: “I saw the Spirit descend from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him. [33] I myself did not know him, but he who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain, this is he who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ [34] And I have seen and have borne witness that this is the Son of God.”

B. Baptism as a sign of repentance

1. Luke 3.3 cf. Acts 19.4