Jesus’ Baptism

Jesus’ Baptism

Q: At Jesus’ baptism, the Holy Spirit appeared as a

• a. parrot.
• b. dove.
• c. raven.

During John the Baptist’s time, people were baptized to show their repentance. They were baptized in the Jordan River, the same river God’s chosen people had had to cross hundreds of years earlier in order to enter the Promised Land under Joshua’s leadership.

Jesus went to John to be baptized, but not because he had any sin to repent of. The Savior was perfect and without sin. Jesus was baptized to mark the beginning of his ministry and to show others that he was set apart for a special purpose. At Jesus’ baptism, the Holy Spirit came to Jesus like a dove, and a voice from heaven said, “You are my dearly loved Son, and you bring me great joy.”

Jesus’ baptism also set an example for others. Before Jesus went back to heaven after his resurrection, he told his disciples, “Go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19). Baptism doesn’t forgive sins, because only Jesus’ death and resurrection can do that. We are forgiven when we confess our sins and ask God to forgive us. Baptism is a sign of our obedience to God and willingness to let others know that we believe in God.

For You

Some churches have age requirements for baptism or require people to take a class first to make sure they understand baptism. Other churches will immediately baptize anyone who confesses Jesus as his or her Savior. Which does your church do? Have you already been baptized? If not, talk to your parents and then your pastor about it.

Answer: b

As Jesus came up out of the water, he saw the heavens splitting apart and the Holy Spirit descending on him like a dove.   Mark 1:10

(The Whole Story: Matthew 3:13-17; Mark 1:9-11; Luke 3:21-22; John 1:29-34)