The Point of the Gospel--Jesus' Baptism

The Baptism of Jesus

Jesus traveled from Nazareth in Galilee to be baptized by John at the Jordan River, but John argued that Jesus should baptize him instead. “It is necessary to fulfill all righteousness,” Jesus replied, and John agreed. Jesus emerged from the river, heaven opened, and the Spirit of God descended in the form of a dove to land on him.

A voice from heaven sounded. “This is my Son, whom I love. I am well pleased with him.”

{John} John had been told ahead of time that he would recognize Jesus by seeing the Spirit descend upon him and could thereby tell that he was the Son of God. The next day, seeing Jesus approach, John said, “Look, the Lamb of God (lambs often used for sacrifices for sin), who takes away the sin of the world. This is the one I said would come after me, but he surpasses me, because he was before me.”

Tempted in the Desert

Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. He fasted for forty days and forty nights and afterwards was hungry. Satan, the tempter, came and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.”

Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man does not live by bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” (Deut. 8:3) Personal Thought: God’s words in the Old Testament were often laws and advice to live by to keep His people righteous and therefore close to Him, the true source of life.

The devil took Jesus to Jerusalem, the holy city, and placed him on the highest point of the temple. “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down. For it is written that his angels will protect you.” (Psalm 91: 11, 12)

Jesus rejoined, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’” (Deut. 6:16) (Referring to when the people turned from God and built idols to worship.)

Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world. “All this I have been given and in turn can give to whomever I please. Bow down and worship me and you can be master of all that you see.”

“Away from me, Satan!” Jesus said. “Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.” (Deut. 6:13)

Then the devil left him until an advantageous time should present itself, and the angels came and attended Jesus.