Didn't you read my post? Its in there. Why was Jesus baptized? For the remission of sin? For salvation? There is an answer for that too. Care to venture a guess?
1 – Isaiah Describes the Messiah (Jesus) as a Servant
The Old Testament prophet Isaiah speaks of the coming “Messiah” as a servant. In his writing, the prophet points out the characteristics of a
servant-leader.
Isaiah wrote,
“Here is my
servant, whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom I delight;
I will put my Spirit on him,
and he will bring justice to the nations.
He will not shout or cry out,
or raise his voice in the streets.
A bruised reed he will not break,
and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out.
In faithfulness, he will bring forth justice;
he will not falter or be discouraged
till he establishes justice on earth. In his teaching the islands will put their hope.”
(Isaiah 42:1-4,)
In these words, the prophet is pointing out the unique characteristics of a
servant-leader.
It was for Christ and John to fulfill all righteousness. That is why God gave Himself as the humble Christ. To show us how we as humans can please Him . Christ who had no sin was baptized to fulfill the righteousness of God the Father , to show us what we must do to be saved. WATER Baptism is an essential part of salvation.
2 – Jesus Describes Himself as a Servant in His Teaching
In three of the Gospels, Jesus refers to himself and his ministry in the world. Also, in these three passages of scripture, Christ lays out the characteristics of real
servanthood.
- “ For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” – Mark 10:45
- “…I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me. – John 6:38
- “For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.” – Luke 22:27
Jesus points out in these three scriptures some truths about servanthood. He teaches that a real
servant leader –
- does not seek service for themselves
- aims to serve others
- does not propose to do his own will
- does not promote himself
Unfortunately that cannot be said of many who call themselves pastors, shepherd , priest etc.... Not saying there are not those who really do serve just stating most lack a humble heart.
3 – Jesus Shows Himself as a Servant By His Actions
Matthew 3:13-15
The Baptism of Jesus
13At that time Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. 14
But John tried to prevent Him, saying, “I need to be baptized by You, and do You come to me?” 15“Let it be so now,” Jesus replied. “It is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness in this way.” Then John permitted Him.…
ANOTHER ACTION AS A HUMBLE SERVANT John 13:
13 It was just before the Passover Festival. Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.
2 The evening meal was in progress, and the devil had already prompted Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. 3 Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; 4 so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. 5 After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.
6 He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?”
7 Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.”
8 “No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.”
Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.”
9 “Then, Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!”
10 Jesus answered, “Those who have had a bath need only to wash their feet; their whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you.” 11 For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not every one was clean.
12 When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. 13 “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. 14 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. 15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. 16 Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.
Many people do not readily accept the idea of becoming a servant.
Simon Peter had a difficult time allowing Jesus to wash his feet. This action was the role of the “servant.” Jesus made it clear to Simon that this was foundational for all that he had taught the disciples.
4 – The Apostle Paul Describes Jesus as a Servant
In his letter to the first-century
church at Philippi, the Apostle Paul had this to say about the servant role of Jesus,
“Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.” –
Philippians 2:6-7 “
Paul also taught the early Christian believers that servanthood and humility work together. He wrote about the example that Jesus set.
“And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!” –
Philippians 2:8
Therefore, Paul points out to the believers that Christ’s example of
servanthood is one of the most influential messages of the New Testament church.
I could continue. It is clear Christ was baptized not because he had any sin but to teach the servants HUMANS it is righteousness to OBEY what He decrees. We who have sin, become like Him by following His lead and learn how to be pleasing humans to God the Father. Not complicated.