The Baptism of Jesus: A Divine Confirmation

By Romina Chevren

"Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. But John tried to deter him, saying, 'I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?' Jesus replied, 'Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.' Then John consented. As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, 'This is my Son, whom I love; with him, I am well pleased.'"—Matthew 3:13–17 (NIV)

The baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist is a profound and pivotal moment in the life of our Lord and Savior. We witness not only the act of baptism but also the revelation of the divine identity and the confirmation of Jesus' mission on Earth.

As Jesus approached the Jordan River to be baptized by John, it’s essential to recognize the significance of this act. John, knowing Jesus' holiness and divinity, hesitated, feeling unworthy to baptize the sinless Son of God. However, Jesus, in His humility and in fulfillment of God's divine plan, insisted on baptism.

This act of humility and obedience sets an example for us all. Jesus, though sinless, chose to identify with humanity, to undergo a baptism of repentance that symbolized the cleansing and renewal that all believers experience through faith in Him. It exemplifies His willingness to join us in our journey of faith, to understand our struggles, and to lead by example.

As soon as Jesus emerges from the water, a profound moment occurs. Heaven opens, and the Holy Spirit descends upon Him like a dove. A voice from heaven, God's voice, proclaims, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased." Imagine the scene—the heavens opening, the Spirit descending, and God Himself declaring His love and pleasure in His Son. It's a powerful affirmation of Jesus' identity and mission.

In Christ, we become children of God, dearly loved and accepted, with the Holy Spirit indwelling within us. In our own faith journey, we often seek confirmation of our beliefs, choices, and actions. We may question whether we’re on the right path, whether God approves of our decisions, or whether we’re truly His beloved children. Just as Jesus found confirmation through His baptism, we, too, can find assurance in our relationship with God.

Consider the moments in your life when you've questioned your faith or decisions. How can you seek divine confirmation and affirmation much like Jesus did at His baptism?

The baptism of Jesus teaches us that divine confirmation and affirmation come when we humbly align ourselves with God's will. When we seek righteousness and obedience, we open ourselves to the assurance of His presence and favor.

As we reflect on this passage, may we remember that, like Jesus, we’re God's beloved children. Our identity is rooted in Him, and our purpose is to fulfill His will.

When we find ourselves in moments of doubt or uncertainty, may we turn to God in prayer, seeking His confirmation and affirmation. In doing so, we can be assured that, just as the heavens opened for Jesus, God will make His presence known in our lives. His voice will declare our status as beloved sons and daughters, and His Spirit will empower us for the journey ahead. Trust in His divine confirmation and affirmation as you walk in faith today.

Pause: Take a moment to reflect on your own life. Are there areas where you’ve been resistant or disobedient to God's calling? Bring these to Him in prayer, confessing, and seeking His forgiveness.

Practice: Ask God for the wisdom and strength to embrace humility and obedience in your daily life. Pray for the courage to align with His righteousness and seek His guidance to discern His will in your decisions.

Pray: Dear heavenly Father, we come before You with grateful hearts, reflecting on the beautiful moment of Jesus' baptism and Your divine affirmation. We thank You for the example of obedience and humility that Jesus displayed in His willingness to be baptized. Amen.