“Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at Jordan, to be
baptized by 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.” (Matthew 3.13-15, NRSV)
It struck me as very odd that
Jesus, who is sinless and the Son of God, sought out his own baptism. I
considered the possible messages that this baptism could imply for Christianity
and one conclusion that I drew was this baptism helped to humanize Jesus. While Jesus was sinless and thus had no need
to be baptized, others could look at his baptism as a sign of humility. It
might have been comforting to worship someone who does not consider himself
above the common man. By being baptized, all Christians can identify with
Jesus. Perhaps this was a way to make Christianity more appealing for its
followers?
However, at the same time I don’t
believe that it is common to want to worship someone who is relatable or human.
It is easier to worship someone who is divine and infallible because it
provides comfort in knowing that a higher power has a plan.
Another possible explanation for
Jesus’s baptism is that it helps legitimize John the Baptist. If even Jesus is
willing to be baptized by John then clearly John should be a respected religious
authority. This explanation still seems to be an insufficient justification for
the baptism in my opinion though. Does anyone else have any ideas as to what
the appeal or benefit may be for John the Baptist baptizing Jesus?
I definitely agree with your idea that Jesus, although of a divine nature, being baptized by John the Baptist humanizes him and can help followers identify with the fact that they are all baptized in the same way. However, I feel that rather than being contradictory, this humanization of Jesus would have a positive effect on the growth of this religion. I feel like if people can identify with somebody, they are more likely to have respect for them. Also, the fact that Jesus performed miracles, separated him from everyone else, while letting him maintain his human qualities as well. I do also agree with what you said about how this can validate the role of John the Baptist in the New Testament, because it legitimizes him and makes him a necessary part of the story of Jesus.
ReplyDeleteThe idea that Jesus, the son of God, would deign to become human for the sake and salvation of his people is one I think people would need help understanding. They need to see Jesus as a man, as well as a God, and this scene, where he is baptized, and the voice of God calls down and claims Jesus as his son, helps them do both. There is definitely a humanizing aspect, but this aspect is overshadowed by the miracles later performed. While when following a deity, it would be better to see them as powerful and aloof, Jesus was trying to be a leader of men, and to do this, anthropomorphic and human qualities must be seen by those around him. This is what I believe this passages purpose is.
ReplyDeleteBaptizing Jesus would certainly speak to the sanctity and importance of baptism, and possibly encourage Christians to continue baptism as a holy rite and ceremony. If others knew or could read that even Jesus was baptized, they would place more faith in baptism and seek it out as a necessary ritual. This legitimizes baptism as well as John the Baptist, as Hannah pointed out.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Sarah.R14 on this. It shows the followers of Jesus the importance of baptism. It also serves as a way to humanize Jesus. It makes Jesus seem as a less divine figure by bringing him down closer to the people, but it can also make the act of baptism seem like a more divine act by bringing the people closer to Jesus.
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