As John the Baptist baptized people, he proclaimed that the baptism of the coming Messiah would be even more significant.

Matthew 3:11 (NKJV)

I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.

However, when Jesus came to him and asked to be baptized, John felt unqualified and instead wanted Jesus to baptize him.

Matthew 3:13-15 (NKJV)

Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan  to be baptized by him.  And John tried to prevent Him, saying, “I need to be baptized by You, and are You coming to me?” But Jesus answered and said to him, “Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he allowed Him.

So why did Jesus end up taking baptism?

Firstly, John’s baptism was a call to repentance for all people; however, Jesus did not perform this act for the repentance of sins because He never sinned.

Rather, through His baptism, Christ identified with us sinners as He would ultimately bear our sins, and His perfect righteousness would be imputed to us.

2 Corinthians 5:21 (NKJV)

For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

Jesus was baptized for the following reasons:

• • Symbol of death & resurrection: Jesus’ baptism foreshadowed His death and resurrection, representing the new life believers should have in Him.
  • Public Identification & humility: This act marked Jesus’ first public association with those whose sins He would eventually take upon Himself, demonstrating His role as the Savior.
  • Affirmation of His Messiahship: The baptism served as a public declaration of Jesus as the Messiah, confirmed by God the Father’s testimony from heaven.
  • Commencement of Public Ministry: It marked the beginning of His public ministry, where He would bring the message of salvation to all.
  • Intercessory Role: In a manner akin to Old Testament figures like Nehemiah, Ezra, Moses, and Daniel, Jesus’ baptism symbolized a confession of sins on behalf of the nations, highlighting His role as an intercessor;
  • Support for John’s Ministry: Through His baptism, Jesus endorsed John’s ministry, validating the importance of baptism and repentance.
  • Solidarity with the repentant: Jesus in getting baptized was was identifying with the contrite / repentant people of God who came to John for baptism and repentance and not with the critical Pharisees who were only watching.
  • As an Example: Jesus’ baptism serves as an example for Christians to follow, emphasizing the importance of baptism as an act of obedience to God.

Jesus, the perfect man, did not need baptism for the repentance of sin. Still, He accepted the act of baptism in obedience and an example for us to follow.