Today we observe the Baptism of the Lord. We are baptized for the forgiveness of sin and given a new birth as the children of Father. Given this understanding of the purpose of baptism, it prompts a question from many as to why Jesus was baptized? He had no sin and was already the Son of the Father. Even John the Baptist objected when Jesus came to him for baptism saying, “I should be baptized by you!”
The answer is found in his reply to John, “Let it be done to fulfill all righteousness.” It was the right and needed thing to do. Not for himself, but for us. He did not need to die for sin. But he did! For us! Not for his sin. In the same meaning, he did not need to be baptized. But he did it for us! He shows us the way to salvation.
His action sets the pattern as the humble servant of the Father. He didn’t “need” to, but he wanted to do it. This is where he is taking each one of us. We need baptism, but he is also coaxing us, teaching us, showing us the way to the heart of God, encouraging us to receive our new identity as God’s child and live it out in humble, loving service.
The Lord be with you. Fr. Sid.