“This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”
Before Jesus began His public ministry, John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness calling the people to repentance and preparing the way of the Lord.
Crowds came to John at the Jordan River, confessing their sins and being baptized. John made it clear, however, that Someone far greater was coming after him.
John announced that the One coming after him would baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire.
Jesus traveled from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. John immediately recognized that the situation was unlike every other baptism he had performed.
John attempted to prevent Him, saying that he himself needed to be baptized by Jesus.
Jesus answered that it was fitting for them to fulfill all righteousness. John then consented.
After Jesus was baptized, He came up from the water. At that moment the heavens were opened.
The Spirit of God descended upon Him like a dove. Scripture presents this as a divine revelation of who Jesus is.
A voice came from heaven declaring Jesus to be the beloved Son in whom the Father was well pleased.
The baptism presents a remarkable scene: the Son standing in the Jordan, the Holy Spirit descending, and the Father's voice speaking from heaven.
The public ministry of Jesus was about to begin.
Jesus stands in the Jordan in obedience, preparing to begin the mission for which He came.
The Spirit of God descends like a dove and rests upon Jesus.
The voice from heaven identifies Jesus publicly as the Father's beloved Son.