The Meaning of Christ's Baptism

[Thompson, Darryl]

The Meaning of Christ's Baptism 

     Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized
of him. Matt. 3:13. 

     Many had come to him [John] to receive the baptism of repentance,
confessing their sins. . . . Christ came not confessing His own sins,
but guilt was imputed to Him as the sinner's substitute. He came not to
repent on His own account, but in behalf of the sinner. . . . Christ
honored the ordinance of baptism by submitting to this rite. In this act
He identified Himself with His people as their representative and head.
As their substitute He takes upon Him their sins, numbering Himself with
the transgressors, taking the steps the sinner is required to take, and
doing the work the sinner must do. . . .  

     After Christ rose up from the water. . . . He walked out to the
bank of Jordan and bowed in the attitude of prayer. . . . As the
believer's example, His sinless humanity supplicated support and
strength from His heavenly Father, as He was about to commence His
public labor as the Messiah. . . .  

     Never before had angels listened to such a prayer as Christ offered
at His baptism, and they were solicitous to be the bearers of the
message from the Father to His Son. But, no! Direct from the Father
issues the light of His glory. The heavens were opened and beams of
glory rested upon the Son of God and assumed the form of a dove, in
appearance like burnished gold. The dovelike form was emblematical of
the meekness and gentleness of Christ. . . . From the opening heavens
came these words: "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." .
. . Notwithstanding the Son of God was clothed with humanity, yet
Jehovah, with His own voice, assures Him of His sonship with the
Eternal. In this manifestation to His Son, God accepts humanity as
exalted through the excellence of His beloved Son.  

     Christ's prayer on the banks of the Jordan includes everyone who
will believe in Him. The promise that you are accepted in the Beloved
comes to you. God said, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well
pleased." . . . Christ has cleaved the way for you to the throne of the
infinite God.  

>From That I May Know Him - Page 31