Why did Jesus have to be baptized? (Luke 3)

Earlier this week I asked a group of friends a very straightforward question. Why did Jesus have to be baptized (Luke 3)? I received some very good and well thought out answers. Most of which dealt with righteousness, and God releasing his power on earth, and many other good points. As read these responses this week it came to me that sometimes we (Me included) might be too smart for our own good. I mean does Christianity really have to be such a complicated thing? Do we just have this inner desire to try and figure everything out for ourselves (Without God)? Or, could we all just not get it?


Jesus died on the cross as a once and for all sacrifice for ALL our sins. That’s right ALL of us, the teacher’s, the preacher’s, drug dealers, and any other any other person you can think of. He didn’t have to do this, he chose to. Just like he didn’t have to be baptized, he chose to. He came into the world in a manger, outside, with animals, as humble a beginning as you can have. He died a brutal death while being mocked, and asked his father to forgive his accusers, as humble a death as you can have. So why shouldn’t his entry into public ministry be just as humble?

The crowd of Jews and Greeks that were being baptized had been convicted of their sins and were there to repent. Jesus, The sinless spotless, Lamb of God never sinned and had no need to repent. But the people he came to save did, and by being publically baptized by John he not only pleased his father, but he identified in the most intimate way he could have with sinners (You and me).

Get it? He humbled himself because he loves us, he was crucified because he loves us, and he was baptized because he loves us. If no one has ever told you before, let me be the first to tell you JESUS LOVES YOU! Yes, Even You!

“Oh God of second chances here I am again.”