Gospel Highlighter (The Baptism of Jesus)

Sun, Feb 01, 2026

Teacher: Cody Clark Series: Gospel Highlighter Scripture: Matthew 3:13-17 & John 1:29-34

The Baptism of Jesus Matthew 3:13–17, Mark 1:9–11, Luke 3:21–22, John 1:29–34 It would be good to recap the previous week about John preparing the way (because of the snow), but don’t overlap too much. Focus mostly on Jesus. The conversation about Jesus being baptized by John really takes on two parts: the humility of Jesus choosing to be baptized by an imperfect man, and the obedience that Jesus showed towards the Father. 1. Talk about the humility that Jesus chose in being baptized and how we (as imperfect people) need to constantly choose to be humble and work together with other believers for the sake of the Kingdom. 2. Talk about the constant obedience that Jesus showed to always do the will of the Father in every circumstance. When we choose to obey God, all of the parts of the story fall into place. It would also be good to suggest to people who haven’t been baptized that after salvation we need to be baptized, if nothing else just to be obedient to God and pave the way for Him to work in other people.

Show text Hide text

The Gospel Highlighter

The Baptism of Jesus
Matthew 3:13-17, Mark 1:9–11, Luke 3:21–22, John 1:29–34

13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. 14 But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?”
15 Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented.
16 As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. 17 And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” Matthew 3:13–17.

Jesus’ Baptism in the Gospels

Core Similarities

Across Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, these things remain consistent:

The Setting: The event takes place at the Jordan River.
The Forerunner: John the Baptist is the central figure performing the baptisms.
The Divine Sign: The Holy Spirit descends like a dove.
The Location: Jesus is coming from Galilee.

Detailed Comparison by Gospel

1. The Gospel of Matthew

Matthew emphasizes Jesus’ identity as the King and the fulfillment of the Law.

Unique Feature: John initially hesitates, saying, "I need to be baptized by you." Jesus responds that it must happen to "fulfill all righteousness."
The Voice: The voice from heaven speaks in the third person: "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased." This suggests a public declaration to the crowd.
** As if announcing to the multitude of witnesses that Jesus is the Son of God. This the point in the story, as if there was any doubt, that Jesus get’s His blue “verified” checkmark.

2. The Gospel of Mark

Mark provides the shortest, most urgent account, focusing on the beginning of Jesus' "servant" ministry.

Unique Feature: Mark describes the heavens being "torn open" (Greek: schizo), a violent, powerful word also used when the temple curtain rips at the Crucifixion.
The Voice: The voice speaks in the second person directly to Jesus: "You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased." This makes it an intimate, personal experience.

3. The Gospel of Luke

Luke highlights Jesus’ humanity and his life of prayer.

Unique Feature: Luke is the only one who mentions that Jesus was praying when the heavens opened.
The Holy Spirit: Luke emphasizes the physical reality of the event, noting the Spirit descended in "bodily form" like a dove.
The Voice: Like Mark, the voice is personal ("You are my Son").

4. The Gospel of John

John’s account is the most distinct. He focuses on the "Logos/Word” and the testimony.

Unique Feature: John the Baptist narrates the event as a past-tense testimony. He explains that God gave him a sign: the one on whom the Spirit remains is the one who will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.
Missing Element: Interestingly, John never explicitly describes the act of Jesus being dipped in the water. He focuses entirely on the descent of the Spirit and John’s recognition of the "Lamb of God."

Why was the sinless Son of God baptized?

1. Obligation—“to fulfill all righteousness” (cf. John 8:29).

The one who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone, for I always do what pleases him.” John 8:29.

2. Consecration—the OT priest was washed, then anointed. Jesus submitted to water baptism, then the Holy Spirit came as a dove.

3. Commendation—Jesus gave His approval of John’s ministry and thus obligated the people to listen to John and obey him. Instead, the religious leaders rejected John’s baptism.

4. Proclamation—this was John’s official introduction of Jesus to the Jewish nation.

I myself did not know him, but the reason I came baptizing with water was that he might be revealed to Israel.” John 1:31.

5. Anticipation—this water baptism looked forward to His baptism of suffering for us on the cross (Luke 12:50). Jesus fulfilled all righteousness through His sacrificial death on Calvary.

But I have a baptism to undergo, and what constraint I am under until it is completed! Luke 12:50.

6. —Jesus identified Himself with sinful men. Immediately after, the Spirit drove Him into the wilderness. There may be here a picture of the “scapegoat” that symbolically carried the nation’s sins into the wilderness (Lev. 16:1–10).

CONNECTION CARD

1. I will follow the lead of Jesus and choose to live humbly and lean on other believers for the sake of the Kingdom.
2. I will follow the lead of Jesus and choose obedience, doing whatever God says when He says it.
3. I have never been baptized, and I think I need to take that step.
4. I will commit to read through the 4 Gospels between now and the end of the Gospel Highlighter series. (Reading Plan on the App)
Click here for the reading plan.

back

Gospel Highlighter (The Baptism of Jesus)

The Gospel Highlighter

Jesus’ Baptism in the Gospels

CONNECTION CARD

Near West Location

Irvington Location