Slideshow image

The Preacher’s Pen

With Jesus at the River Jordan

Matthew 3:13–17

This is the first lesson in a new Bible study series called With Jesus. These lessons allow us to walk with Jesus to various places He went, to hear what He said, to watch what He did, and to consider the meaning of these amazing events.

In this text, we find Jesus at the River Jordan. John the Baptist had been preaching repentance and preparing the way. He called people to show their faith through works. He declared, “Behold the Lamb of God which takes away the sin of the world!” He lifted up Jesus’ greatness saying, “I’m not even worthy to unloose His sandals.”

And then, at last, Jesus Himself comes to the river to be baptized.

1. The Baptism Marked the Beginning of His Ministry (v. 13–15)

When Jesus came to John, He said, “Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfill all righteousness.”

This moment marked the beginning of His public ministry. He was modeling the pattern: conversion, baptism, then service. Of course, Jesus did not need conversion, but He did need to be surrendered and obedient to the Father.

Let’s not ever try to make disobedient people obedient. In other words, let’s not make leaders out of people who will not obey Christ’s simple commands.

Through His baptism, Jesus was obeying the Father, identifying with sinners, and foreshadowing His death, burial, and resurrection.

2. The Mandate to Obey (v. 15)

Jesus said, “Suffer it to be so now.” That word now is important. It means immediately, without delay.

Baptism is not something to put off. If you have never been baptized, you should do it as soon as possible — not because it adds to salvation, but because it is the first step of obedience after salvation.

3. The Father’s Pleasure (v. 16–17)

As Jesus came up out of the water, the heavens opened, the Spirit descended like a dove, and the Father declared, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”

Think of the humility of this moment. The Son of God — God in flesh — allowed Himself to be buried in muddy water by another man. This was a practice run for the greater humility to come at the cross.

And when Jesus obeyed, the Father said, “That’s it. I’m proud of You. I am well pleased.”

We must see baptism in the same way. It is not just getting wet or performing a ritual. It is identification with Christ, submission to God’s command, and the breaking of our will. And the Father is pleased when His children obey.

4. The Trinity Displayed (v. 16–17)

Here at the Jordan we see the Trinity together on earth: the Son baptized, the Spirit descending like a dove, and the Father speaking from heaven.

This moment shows us the weight Heaven placed on Jesus’ mission and the value of baptism in the Christian life.

What Baptism Is Not

Before we finish, let’s be clear about what baptism is not:

  1. Baptism is not salvation. The Ethiopian eunuch asked, “What hinders me to be baptized?” and Philip answered, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.” Belief comes first. Baptism is the outward sign of an inward work.

  2. Baptism is not for babies or unbelievers. We dedicate children, but baptism is only for those who have trusted Christ by faith.

  3. Baptism is not ritual. It does not earn points with God. It is obedience — nothing less, nothing more.

  4. Baptism is not sprinkling or pouring. The word “baptize” means to immerse. It pictures death, burial, and resurrection.

  5. Baptism is not optional. It does not save, but it is the first step of obedience for believers. Many want to serve Christ, but how can a person move forward in service if they refuse the first command?

Jesus could not be trusted with the cross and the tomb until He was trusted with the muddy waters of the Jordan River. God will use you only if you trust and obey Him.

Jesus commanded baptism in Matthew 28:19. He modeled baptism here in Matthew 3. Let us follow His example.

Final Thoughts

With Jesus at the Jordan, we see His humility, His obedience, and the Father’s delight. Baptism does not save — but it is the believer’s first step of surrender. It is the doorway to service. It is the act that tells heaven and earth: I belong to Jesus.