2 during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, God’s word came to John the son of Zechariah in the wilderness. 3 He went into all the vicinity of the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins,

7 He then said to the crowds who came out to be baptized by him, “Brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? 8 Therefore produce fruit consistent with repentance.

15 Now the people were waiting expectantly, and all of them were questioning in their hearts whether John might be the Messiah. 16 John answered them all, “I baptize you with water, but one who is more powerful than I am is coming. I am not worthy to untie the strap of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.”

21 When all the people were baptized, Jesus also was baptized. As he was praying, heaven opened, 22 and the Holy Spirit descended on him in a physical appearance like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well-pleased.” 

Context

Before Jesus enters the water, Luke shows us:

• The Word of God comes to John in the wilderness

• John fulfills Isaiah’s prophecy: “A voice of one crying out in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord.”

• John calls people to repent

• Repentance is concrete and life-changing

• John baptizes as a public declaration of repentance

• John makes clear: he is not the Messiah

Luke completes John’s story so that when Jesus enters the scene, the spotlight belongs fully to Him.

The stage is set.

The people are repenting.

Expectation is rising.

The Messiah is near.

Big Idea

Jesus steps into our place before calling us to step into His life.

1️⃣ The Obedient Son

Jesus steps into obedience for us.

Matthew records Jesus’ words:

“It is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.”

Righteousness here means complete obedience to the Father’s will.

• Jesus does not need repentance
• Jesus does not lack righteousness
• Jesus chooses obedience

Before teaching.

Before miracles.

Before the cross.

Where Adam failed, Jesus obeys.

Where Israel fell short, Jesus fulfills.

Jesus steps into obedience for us.

2️⃣ The Identified Savior

Jesus steps into our place with us.

Luke tells us:

“When all the people were baptized, Jesus also was baptized.”

Jesus stands among the people.

• Not separated
• Not exempt
• Not distant

His baptism is not confession of sin.

It is identification with sinners.

Biblical Teaching on Baptism

Baptism in Scripture is about identification.

• John’s baptism → identification with repentance
• Jesus’ baptism → identification with sinners
• Christian baptism → identification with Christ

The biblical order is clear:

1. Hear the gospel
2. Repent and believe
3. Be baptized

Belief first.

Baptism next.

Baptism is not a work for salvation.

It is the first act of obedience after salvation.

It is saying publicly:

“I belong to Jesus.”

Before we ever identify with Him —

He identifies with us.

3️⃣ The Affirmed Messiah

Jesus steps into mission approved by the Father.

Luke records:

• The heavens open
• The Spirit descends
• The Father speaks

“You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”

This happens before:

• Miracles
• Teaching
• The cross

The Father’s pleasure rests on who Jesus is, not what He has done.

Identity before activity.

At the Jordan, we see the Trinity revealed:

• The Father affirms
• The Son obeys
• The Spirit rests

Next Steps

• If You Are Not Yet a Believer

Your next step is not baptism.

Your next step is repentance and faith.

Jesus stepped into your place first.

• If You Are a New Believer

After repentance and faith, the first step of obedience is baptism.

Baptism declares:

“I belong to Jesus.”

• If You Are a Long-Time Follower

We never move past grace.

We never outgrow obedience.

Where is Jesus calling you to follow more closely?

Final Reminder

Jesus stepped into our place

before calling us to step into His life.

Grace leads.

We respond.