Why is the Messiah being baptised?
by Pastor Glenn Crouch
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When all the people were being baptised, Jesus was baptised too (Luke 3:21).
Read Luke 3:15–22
Our passage starts off with John proclaiming the good news. He continues to prepare the way for the Messiah. It is not surprising that the question arises as to whether John might be the Messiah. He points people away from himself to the Messiah, as the one who is to come is far greater. John’s preaching includes holding the leadership to account, and thus, we see this faithful prophet thrown in prison.
We then jump back (verses 21 and 22) to when John baptised Jesus. Wait a minute. Jesus is the one who is without sin. He is the one who always does his Father’s will. He is the one person who does not need to repent or need forgiveness. Why is the Messiah being baptised?
Later, when Jesus is on the cross, he takes upon himself the sins of the world, which includes our sins – past, present and future. We see here that as his ministry starts, he is already on that path and receives baptism just as we need to receive baptism. In baptism, we are joined with Christ’s death and resurrection. In Jesus’ baptism, he accepts the path that leads to him bearing our sins.
Not only does Jesus die for us. Not only does the Father raise him from the dead for us. Jesus also lives the life we fail to live.
Father, renew in me the joy of your salvation. Remind me of all you have done for me through your dear Son. Thank you for all that you gave me in my baptism. I ask this through my Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Glenn is the pastor of St John’s Lutheran Church in Esperance and also looks after St Paul’s Lutheran Church in Kalgoorlie–Boulder. Glenn has been married to Karen for 38 years, and they have two grown sons – and their first grandchild is on the way (due March 2024).
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