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Matthew 3-4: I’m Not Baptized Because Jesus Was

Apr 21, 2009
Baptism, Matthew

Today’s reading is Matthew 3:1-4:25.

Jesus’ baptism is a great example to us all. John even tried to talk him out of it, apparently being aware of Jesus’ great moral fiber and righteousness. Yet, Jesus pushed the issue. He claimed He needed to be baptized “to fulfill all righteousness.” I understand that Jesus needed to be baptized not in order to be granted righteousness but in order to fulfill it. That is, in order to fulfill what the Father wanted for Him.

However, I can’t help but point out this has led to all kinds of incorrect argumentation. Sometimes we can come up with these great sounding statements that simply don’t hold water biblically. One such statement is that we need to be baptized because Jesus was baptized. That is simply not so. Just because Jesus did something doesn’t mean we have to. For instance, Jesus was circumcised (Luke 2:21). Jesus was presented at the temple for purification (Luke 2:22-24). I don’t have to do either of those things.

Don’t misunderstand. I certainly believe each and every one of us must be baptized. Mark 16:16 says only those who believe and are baptized will be saved. Acts 2:38 says we must repent and be baptized for the remission of our sins. I Peter 3:21 says baptism now saves us. For all these reasons, I must be baptized. However, I’m not baptized because Jesus was. In fact, Jesus did not undergo the same baptism we have to undergo. He went through the baptism of John. However, that baptism does me no good. In fact, in Acts 19:1-7, Paul found 12 men who had been baptized in John’s baptism. However, under this new covenant it had done them no good. They needed to be baptized in Jesus’ name. Interestingly, Jesus did not undergo that baptism. 

The point behind all this is the baptism in which Jesus’ participated is not the same baptism in which we must participate. We do not get baptized for the same reasons as Jesus. Jesus was baptized in order to fulfill all righteousness. We are baptized in order to receive righteousness. Jesus was baptized with John’s baptism. We are baptized in Jesus’ baptism. 

Therefore, please don’t tell me that our baptism is not for the remission of sins or in order to become a child of God just because Jesus was also baptized. His baptism was different. 

The example Jesus did set for us here, however, is that if God says do something, we need to do it. Jesus did this because it was what God wanted. Instead of arguing against God, we need to submit to Him like Jesus did.

Keep the faith and keep reading,

ELC

P.S. What did you get out of today’s reading?

10 Comments
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  • http://www.add17.com debbi

    "Jesus was baptized in order to fulfill all righteousness. We are baptized in order to receive righteousness."

    a great truth! thanks for your work.

  • http://www.allgospel.org Eric Reynolds

    Edwin,

    Great point. Those who connect our baptism with Christ's are missing the real connection.

    Eric

    P.S. How how hungry would you have to be to start eating locusts?

  • Edwin Crozier

    A lot hungrier than I have ever been.

  • Seth

    I understand the distinction you are making and I agree. Is it fair to say that Jesus was baptized of John's baptism? Yes Jesus was baptized by John but we've already said that He was dunked to fulfill all righteousness. What I mean is simply that John's baptism was the baptism of repentance and naturally Jesus need not repent of anything. So he was baptized by John but not really of his baptism. Or am I splitting hairs here?

  • Seth

    As far as locusts go…slap a little apple butter on them and a little salt

  • Marshall Reid

    So just what does "to fulfill all righteousness" mean? In what way did He fulfill all righteousness?

    And, if John recognized who Jesus was on this occasion, especially after seeing the Holy Spirit descend upon Him in the form of a dove and hear God speak, why in Matt. 11 did John send messengers to Jesus asking Him if He was the Coming One?

  • Edwin Crozier

    Seth, good point. In my opinion, Jesus was baptized in John's baptism simply in the sense that he was baptized with the baptism done in John's name or by the authority God had given John. Certainly, there is even a distinction between what Jesus did and everyone else who was baptized in John's baptism.

    Marshall, it seems to me that "to fulfill all righteousness" simply means for Jesus to do what was right. Just as we are to seek God's kingdom and righteousness, so was Jesus. Jesus was not baptized in order to repent or receive remission of sins, but He was baptized because God wanted it so. Keep in mind, it was through this baptism God was going to reveal to John the Messiah.

    Finally, regarding why John sent messengers to Jesus even after seeing the Spirit light on Jesus like a dove, I think we see the real world of what was going on. Even seeing the Spirit and for all his faith, John struggled when Jesus didn't do things exactly as he expected. So, he sent messengers. To me, this is another indicator of the reality of scripture. They don't gloss over issues that seem detrimental. John, even after the amazing display, had doubts. The Bible reveals those freely.

  • Brent

    Edwin,

    how do you argue to those in other denominations who believe baptism is something you do after you have been saved. "the outward sign of an inner grace" argument. If it was as simple as pointing them to a scripture and showing them examples of true Biblical salvation those who take that view of baptism could be easily converted.

  • Edwin Crozier

    Brent, great question. Actually, I'm not sure I can give you a great answer. The fact is no matter how many verses we have, we can't force people to believe something even when we see it very clearly. Keep in mind that others think they have showed us some very clear passages that say we are saved without baptism, but neither you nor I believe them.

    I can't force folks to believe baptism is essential. I can simply keep sharing what the Bible says in passages like Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; Acts 22:16; Romans 6:1-4; Colossians 2:12; I Peter 3:21 and hope that in time they will see what they say as well. It is not easy to get someone to relinquish a position they've held their entire life. It simply takes patience, persistence, and perseverance.

    The one key I want to get across is there is no magic formula. We need not take everything on our own shoulders as if we can come up with some perfect way to get everyone to believe. We must simply share God's word and let it work on the hearts of those around us.

  • Pingback: on baptism « Anastasis



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