John the Baptist had a large following. In fact, it was so large that the Jewish historian Josephus dedicated more coverage about John the Baptist than Jesus.
Despite John’s large following, he made a very humble statement about his relationship with Jesus. He declared that he was not worthy to carry Jesus’ sandals — a task not even demanded of Jewish slaves — let alone claim any superior position.
Furthermore, John announced that Jesus would come to baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire, highlighting the profound nature of Jesus’ mission.
“I baptize you with water for repentance, but the one who is coming after me is more powerful than I, and I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire” (Matthew 3.11).
Bible students debate what is meant by the Holy Spirit and fire. Most of them believe that the baptism of the Holy Spirit and fire involves the reception of the Holy Spirit for people through the work of Jesus, and the fire of judgment for those who refuse Him.
This understanding fits what we will find as we read through the Gospel of Matthew. There will be those who come to Jesus and find salvation, hope, and health.
On the other hand, there will be those who oppose Him stringently all the way to the cross.
Jesus’ Baptism
A unique feature about Jesus’ baptism is that the One who was called by God to baptize people with the Holy Spirit and fire was required to be baptized.
Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan, to be baptized by him.
John would have prevented him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?”
But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now, for it is proper for us in this way to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented (Matthew 3.13-15).
If John wasn’t worthy to carry Jesus’ sandals, he reasoned he certainly wasn’t worthy to baptize him. Jesus responded by telling him that his baptism was to fulfill all righteousness.
Righteousness is doing the right purposes of God, and Jesus knew that in every aspect of his life, he was to do just that.
Jesus never sinned, but He had come to the world to be the Savior of sinners. In many respects, Jesus identified with sinners, especially on the cross.
There, the sinless Son of God became sin so that sinful humans could become righteous. This is how Paul wrote about our Savior.
For our sake God made the one who knew no sin to be sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God (2 Corinthians 5.21).
Jesus’ Baptism Experience
When Jesus was baptized, the Holy Spirit came upon him. This does not mean that he didn’t have the influence of the Holy Spirit throughout the earlier years of his life.
However, at this point, the Spirit came upon him to work the works of God through the Son of God on earth.
And when Jesus had been baptized, just as he came up from the water, suddenly the heavens were opened to him and he saw God’s Spirit descending like a dove and alighting on him.
And a voice from the heavens said, “This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3.16-17).
God the Father spoke about His Son in terms that Israel was familiar with from Psalm 2. He said, “You are my beloved Son, and in You I am well pleased.”
The second Psalm reveals the world’s rebellion and desire to live independently of God. However, God’s purpose is to be the King of all the earth.
Therefore, His Son has come into the world to bring His kingdom through words and deeds.
We have, by God’s grace, the opportunity to receive the Holy Spirit when we invite the Lord to be a part of our life. He places His Spirit within us. That is the good news of what Jesus came to do for us.
We also have the opportunity to be called children of God. This is God’s plan for us and wants it to be in us and then through us to other people.
YouTube Discussion
Rudy Ross and I discussed this passage on YouTube today. You can find it on the Bob Spradling YouTube channel.
Real Voices 