JESUS’ PRAYER AT HIS BAPTISM

When I think about the baptism of Jesus, I usually recall a couple of John’s powerful remarks. “He is the one coming after me, whose sandal strap I’m not worthy to untie” (John 1:27), “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30), and He is “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29). I also remember the exchange between the two men. When Jesus came to be baptized, “John tried to stop him, saying, ‘I need to be baptized by you, and yet you come to me?’ Jesus answered him, ‘Allow it for now, because this is the way for us to fulfill all righteousness.’ Then John allowed him to be baptized” (Matthew 3:13–15). Jesus’ baptism is a remarkable event!

What I sometimes overlook concerning the events at the Jordan River, is the prayer of Jesus. It is, in fact, the first recorded occurrence of Jesus’ practice of prayer. 

Each of the Gospel-writers tell the story (Matthew 3:13-17; Mark 1:9-11; Luke 3:21-22; John 1:31-34), but only Luke points to the Master’s prayer. “When all the people were baptized, Jesus also was baptized. As he was praying, heaven opened, and the Holy Spirit descended on him in a physical appearance like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: ‘You are my beloved Son; with you I am well-pleased’ ” (Luke 3:21–22).

Mark uses dramatic language to describe the scene. “The heavens were torn open and the Spirit descended on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: ‘You are my beloved Son; with you I am well-pleased’ ” (Mark 1:9–11). As Jesus spoke to His Father, the heavens were “torn open” and the voice of Almighty God thundered His approval. “My Son… I am well-pleased!”

Might we, with eyes of faith, see heaven “torn open” as we make our passionate appeals? And might we, with ears of faith, hear the thundering response of our compassionate Father?

“… think on these things” (Philippians 4:8, KJV).