The Well-Pleasing Son: Jesus's Baptism

While John the Baptist's ministry will dim, Jesus's greater ministry begins to shine for He is the well-pleasing Son. In this passage, we seek to answer two questions: 1) Is John the Messiah and 2) Why was Jesus baptized? To answer the first question, we see that Jesus's greater baptism is coming (vv. 15-18) and John's courageous ministry is dimming (vv. 19-20). To answer the second question, we see Jesus's baptism demonstrates He is greater (vv. 21-22). We see five reasons Jesus was baptized: He fulfills the promise, He identifies with His people ( passive obedience), He perfectly obeys the Father (active obedience), the Father authenticates His ministry, and He depends on the Holy Spirit for His ministry.