What Jesus Said About Baptism
Baptism stands as one of the most visible and enduring practices within the Christian tradition. Its significance, meaning, and necessity have been debated throughout church history, yet its roots are found in the teachings and actions of Jesus of Nazareth. To understand what Jesus said about baptism, one must examine his words, his example, and the broader biblical context in which baptism is situated. This article will explore Jesus’ teaching on baptism, the necessity of baptism according to scripture, the reason for Jesus’ own baptism, and why he commands his followers to be baptized.
The Old Testament Background of Baptism
While the Old Testament does not explicitly mention Christian baptism, it provides important background for understanding its meaning. Ritual washings were a common feature of the Mosaic law, symbolizing purification and consecration for service to God. For example, Leviticus 16:4 describes Aaron washing himself before entering the Holy Place on the Day of Atonement. Similarly, the prophets used the imagery of water and cleansing to speak of spiritual renewal. Ezekiel 36:25-27 records God’s promise: “I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean from all your uncleannesses… And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you.” These passages foreshadow the deeper spiritual cleansing that baptism would later signify in the New Testament.
John the Baptist and the Preparation for Jesus
The New Testament introduces baptism through the ministry of John the Baptist, who called Israel to repentance in preparation for the coming Messiah. John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins (Mark 1:4). He declared, “I have baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit” (Mark 1:8). John’s ministry set the stage for Jesus, emphasizing the need for inner transformation and pointing forward to a greater baptism that Jesus would bring.
Jesus’ Own Baptism: Did Jesus Need to Be Baptized?
One of the most striking moments in the Gospels is Jesus’ submission to baptism by John. Matthew records, “Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, 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 thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness’” (Matthew 3:13-15).
This exchange raises a crucial question: Did Jesus need to be baptized? Theologically, Jesus was sinless (Hebrews 4:15), so he had no need of repentance or cleansing. Instead, Jesus’ baptism served several purposes:
Identification with Humanity: By being baptized, Jesus identified himself with the people he came to save, entering fully into their experience and demonstrating humility (Philippians 2:7-8).
Fulfillment of Righteousness: Jesus said his baptism was “to fulfill all righteousness” (Matthew 3:15). As many biblical scholars note, this phrase refers to Jesus’ obedience to the Father’s will and his fulfillment of the law on behalf of his people.
Inauguration of Ministry: Jesus’ baptism marked the beginning of his public ministry and was accompanied by the descent of the Holy Spirit and the Father’s voice from heaven (Matthew 3:16-17), affirming his identity as the beloved Son.
Thus, Jesus’ baptism was not for his own cleansing, but to set an example, to fulfill God’s redemptive plan, and to inaugurate his messianic mission.
Jesus’ Teaching on Baptism
Jesus’ direct teaching on baptism is most clearly seen in his conversation with Nicodemus and in the Great Commission.
The Conversation with Nicodemus
In John 3, Jesus tells Nicodemus, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God” (John 3:5). This statement has generated much debate regarding the meaning of “born of water.” Some interpret this as a reference to Christian baptism, while others see it as a metaphor for spiritual cleansing and renewal, drawing on Old Testament imagery such as Ezekiel 36:25-27.
The immediate context does not mention baptism, and Jesus’ emphasis is on the necessity of spiritual rebirth by the Spirit. Nevertheless, the early church understood baptism as closely associated with conversion and the new birth, serving as an outward sign of inward transformation (Romans 6:3-4).
The Great Commission
The clearest command regarding baptism comes at the end of Matthew’s Gospel. After his resurrection, Jesus commissions his disciples: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19-20).
Here, Jesus explicitly commands baptism as part of the process of making disciples. Baptism is to be administered “in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,” signifying entry into the new covenant community and identification with the triune God. This command is echoed in the practice of the early church, where baptism follows faith in Christ and serves as a public declaration of allegiance to him (Acts 2:38; Acts 8:36-38).
Is Baptism Necessary for Salvation?
A key question arises: Where in the Bible does it say you need to get baptized? And is baptism necessary for salvation? Scripture presents a nuanced answer.
On one hand, Jesus commands baptism as an act of obedience and as a visible sign of discipleship (Matthew 28:19). Peter, on the day of Pentecost, exhorts the crowd, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins” (Acts 2:38). Baptism is thus closely linked to repentance and faith.
On the other hand, the New Testament consistently teaches that salvation is by grace through faith, not by works or rituals (Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5). The apostle Paul distinguishes between the gospel and baptism when he writes, “For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel” (1 Corinthians 1:17). If baptism were absolutely necessary for salvation, Paul’s statement would be difficult to reconcile.
In the minds of the apostles, the idea of an unbaptized believer was virtually unheard of. Baptism was the expected and immediate response to faith in Christ. However, the thief on the cross, who was promised paradise by Jesus without being baptized (Luke 23:42-43), demonstrates that baptism is not an absolute requirement for salvation, but rather the normative means by which believers publicly identify with Christ.
Why Did Jesus Tell Believers to Get Baptized?
Jesus commands baptism for several reasons:
Public Identification with Christ: Baptism is a public declaration of faith and allegiance to Jesus as Lord (Acts 8:36-38; Acts 10:48). It signifies dying to sin and rising to new life in Christ (Romans 6:3-4).
Obedience to Christ’s Command: Baptism is an act of obedience, following the example and instruction of Jesus (Matthew 28:19-20).
Entry into the Covenant Community: Baptism marks entry into the body of Christ, the church, and signifies unity with other believers (1 Corinthians 12:13; Galatians 3:27-28).
Symbol of Spiritual Cleansing: Baptism symbolizes the washing away of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38; Titus 3:5).
Conclusion - What Jesus Said About Baptism
Jesus’ teaching and example make clear that baptism is a vital part of the Christian life. While not the means of salvation itself, baptism is the God-ordained sign of repentance, faith, and new life in Christ. Jesus was baptized to fulfill all righteousness and to identify with those he came to save. He commands his followers to be baptized as a public testimony of faith, obedience, and incorporation into the people of God. The New Testament consistently presents baptism as the expected response to the gospel, symbolizing the believer’s union with Christ in his death and resurrection. As such, baptism remains a central and meaningful practice for all who seek to follow Jesus, rooted in his words, his actions, and the saving grace of God revealed in Scripture.