2510 Jesus Christ, baptism of

In obedience to God’s will Jesus Christ was baptised in the River Jordan by John. The event was sealed by the descent of the Holy Spirit and the Father’s voice of approval.

John tries to prevent Jesus Christ from being baptised

Mt 3:13-14 John was baptising repentant sinners but he knew that Jesus Christ was sinless.

The necessity of Jesus Christ’s baptism

Mt 3:15 See also Mk 10:38; Lk 12:50

The events surrounding Jesus Christ’s baptism

The baptism itself Mk 1:9 pp Mt 3:13 pp Lk 3:21

Jesus Christ prays while being baptised Lk 3:21

The Holy Spirit descends on Jesus Christ Mk 1:10 pp Mt 3:16 pp Lk 3:22 The Holy Spirit came upon Jesus Christ to equip him for his ministry which was about to begin and to give him strength at a time of temptation. See also Jn 1:32-34

The voice of the Father is heard Mt 3:17 pp Mk 1:11 pp Lk 3:22 These words, which are an allusion to Ps 2:7 and Isa 42:1, were repeated at the transfiguration. See also Mt 17:5 pp Mk 9:7 pp Lk 9:35

See also