3.4.8.2 Jesus' baptism in the Jordan

Jesus Christ is without sin. Nonetheless, He allowed Himself to be baptised by John the Baptist and to be counted among the sinners (2 Corinthians 5: 21). This act of baptism–which was an expression of repentance–makes it clear that Jesus Christ abased Himself and subjected Himself to the same act that must be performed on every sinner.

Already here it is clear that Jesus Christ, who is without sin, took the sins of others upon Himself and ultimately opened the way to righteousness before God.

After His baptism the Holy Spirit descended visibly upon Jesus. In a voice from heaven, the Father then testified: "You are My beloved Son; in You I am well pleased" (Luke 3: 22). Through this act of divine revelation, the divine Sonship of Jesus is announced to the whole world by the Father, and His Messianic identity is proclaimed: Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God.

The fact that John the Baptist recognised in Jesus the suffering servant (Isaiah 53: 5), the Saviour, becomes clear in his words: "Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!" It had been revealed to him beforehand that the one "upon whom you see the Spirit descending, and remaining on Him, this is He who baptises with the Holy Spirit." John reaffirmed this: "And I have seen and testified that this is the Son of God" (John 1: 29, 33-34).