The Divine Empath
Baptism of Christ by Perugino, 1482
Matthew 3:13-17 - The Baptism of Jesus
Why was Jesus baptized? Did he even need to be?
From an absolute standpoint, no. He didn’t.
But in order to “fulfill all righteousness” it was fitting that he do so.
It’s difficult to capture here just how packed with meaning this single episode is in the life of Christ.
For a long time, I never quite understood what that phrase meant - “to fulfill all righteousness.”
In Matthew’s Gospel, the word fulfillment is used 16 times. In almost every case, it refers to the fulfillment of Old Testament Scripture.
Also, while the word righteousness in Matthew often refers to the moral conduct of a disciple’s obedience to God’s will, it also generally refers to God’s saving plan.
Because His baptism is about fulfilling all righteousness, in this case it’s both meanings:
The micro —> the individual believer. You. And me.
& The macro —> God’s entire plan of salvation history.
Here’s a glimpse of that history that Jesus is fulfilling in this single episode of His life:
The heavens were opened
-Ezek 1:1; 2:1-2
The anointing of the Spirit
-1 Sam 10:6
-1 Sam 16:13
-Is 11:2
-Is 61:1
-Acts 10:38.
Descending like a dove
-Gen 8:8-12
-Gen 1:2 - the Spirit of God over the waters of creation
Voice…from the heavens
-Gen 15:4
-Deut 4:36
-Dan 4:31
This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased
-Is 42:1
-Gen 22:2 - Isaac, the only one in the Old Testament described as a beloved son and who was to be offered as a sacrifice
So why was He baptized? As Joseph Ratzinger puts it so beautifully:
“Jesus loaded the burden of all mankind’s guilt upon his shoulders; he bore it down into the depths of the Jordan. He inaugurated his public activity by stepping into the place of sinners. His inaugural gesture is an anticipation of the Cross.” Jesus of Nazareth, 18.
I had never realized the profound empathy Jesus demonstrates in this scene.
He’s entering into our story. He finds us and comes to be with us in our weakness so He can bring us with Him into his glory.
Onward and upward,
Ted
A Book Worth Reading
Life of Christ by Fulton Sheen is a dramatic and moving recounting of the birth, life, Crucifixion, and Resurrection of Jesus, and a passionate portrait of the Savior, whose promise has sustained humanity for two millenia.
An appealing blend of philosophy, history, and biblical exegesis, from one of the best-known and most-loved American Catholic leaders of the twentieth century, Life of Christ has long been a source of inspiration and guidance. For those seeking to better understand the message of Jesus Christ, this vivid retelling of the greatest story ever lived is a must-read.
Check out my latest Substack piece - Women, Work, & Social Connection: Why the Modern Stay-at-Home Mom Isn’t Really Traditional
Coming Soon, my next piece on Substack this Thursday, September 18 - Ideas Have Consequences: What Charlie Kirk’s Assassination Reminds Us About Philosophy
If this speaks to you, consider a paid membership.
If now isn’t the right time for a paid membership, I’d be grateful if you shared Into Deep Water with a friend who might find it meaningful. Thanks!
