Why Was Jesus’ Baptism Important?

Jesus didn’t need to repent or turn from sin, rather, his baptism served as a sign to John, and future generations of believers, that he was the Messiah. With this confirmation in place, John’s mission to prepare the way for the Messiah was complete.

Jesus’ baptism account is a beautiful portrayal of the loving union of the Trinity – Father, Son and Spirit. This moment in his life marked the beginning of his ministry in which he was partaking in the human experience fully as the spotless lamb of God sent to save the world.

The baptism of Jesus doesn’t have to be confusing, even if it does raise some questions. Jesus wasn’t baptized for the same reasons that us believers need to be baptized. Instead, his baptism confirms his identity as the Messiah, and demonstrates his willingness to take on humanity to be the perfect atonement for all sin and death. Jesus modeled a key step, baptism, in the life of every believer. At the end of his life, Jesus instructed his disciples to make disciples in all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit (See: Matthew 28:19). From the start to the end of his ministry, Jesus championed the significance of baptism for those who put their faith in God.