Gospel Journey | Christ’s Baptism, John Is Sent To Prison

Last time we covered why John baptized, how he taught baptism of repentance, what it meant to bear good fruit, people confusing him for Christ, and how Christ was coming to clean the threshing floor.

I did not think the baptism of Christ would take about three posts to cover, but it is important. We needed to know why Christ existed before He became the flesh. Why the Word was with God, and how Christ came to show us mercy, truth, and grace.

Post | Gospel Journey | Christ Is God, Word Became Flesh, Purpose of Christ and John

Today, finally, we are at the baptism of Christ.

Today’s Reading – Matthew 3:13-17, Mark 1:09-11, Luke 3:21-22, John 1:29-34

Baptism Of Christ & John’s Witness To It

Scriptures- Matthew 3:13-17, Mark 1:09-11, Luke 3:21-22, John 1:29-34

(Matt. 3:13-17) Matthew’s version is a little more expanded upon which is why I’m referencing it.

Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordon to be baptized. (v.14) John the Baptist tried to prevent Him saying he needed to be baptized by Christ instead. Christ answers that he needs to do this so that all of righteousness is fulfilled. This prompts him to baptize Christ.

When Jesus emerges from the water, the heavens were opened to Him, He saw the Spirit of God descend like a dove and alighting (settling) upon Him. From heaven, God’s voice was heard, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”

(John 1:29-34) John explains how he bore witness of this moment (v.32). He explains that he did not know Christ, but he knew Christ needed to be revealed to Israel, which is why he baptized with water (v. 31). It seems God may have revealed to John who Christ was. As he is told, “Upon who you see the Spirit descending, and remaining on Him, this is He who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.”

Why John Went To Prison

Scripture- Luke 3:18-20

It is here we learn John was exhorting (urging, warning) while he preached. There was a tetrarch (a governor of the Roman empire) named Herod. He apparently had something going on with his sister in law, as well as other evils that John brought up and warned him against. This is what leads to Herod putting John in jail.

What To Take Away– God is amazing at making sure we know what He wants us to know. It’s important that we are not afraid to speak the truth on sin and warn others, in love. People may not like it, the truth often is hard to hear. But Christ wants us to speak the truth with love. He wants us to trust Him above anything else.