The Luke Project Vol 1- The Gospel in SongExemplo

Like a Dove 3:21-22

Today’s scripture is a very short section, but filled with so much. Yesterday we saw many people being baptized by John. Today, we see Jesus come forward during these baptisms and ask John to baptize Him. Can you even imagine how John must have felt?! In Matthew 3:14, John says, “I have need to be baptized by You, and do You come to me?” Jesus told him to permit it because it is fitting to fulfill all righteousness. 

So John baptized Jesus and He began praying while the Spirit came upon Him in bodily form like a dove. This fulfills what John was preaching in yesterday’s study. “He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” (Luke 3:16)

But why does Jesus need baptism? He has no sin to repent from. He is the Son of God and has had the Spirit with Him all along. He did it on our behalf, since He would later take on all of our sins at the cross and as an example for us to follow. He wants us to follow Him in baptism if we have believed and repented. The moment we believe and repent, we can have the Holy Spirit with us as well. When we are baptized, it’s showing what has already taken place in our hearts. We are dead to our sins (lying down in the water), and raised up alive and new with the Holy Spirit living within us (coming up from the water.) What a beautiful way God illustrated this with water, and a dove representing His Spirit. 

Then they heard a voice from heaven saying, “You are My beloved Son, in You I am well-pleased.” God could have spoken this so those present would know that Jesus is the Messiah. But I also believe Jesus needed this encouragement from the Father. He was about to begin His ministry and be tempted in the wilderness. This statement possibly echoed through His mind as Satan tried to deceive Him. If we fill our minds with truth and good things from God, we can also withstand the temptations Satan throws at us. And when we fail and sin, God graciously gives us His Spirit to guide us to repent. Praise God!