1. Matthew 3:13–17 (ESV)
  2. Application

Jesus’ baptism and our baptism

Matthew 3:13–17 (ESV)

13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him.

The focus of the application in the sermon should be on the humanity of Christ, among other things. The preacher should not draw any conclusions concerning the meaning and mode of our baptism from the baptism of our Lord. His baptism is unique. In his baptism Jesus identified himself with fallen man (Luke 3:37) and with the people of Israel (Exodus 4:22–23), who went through the Sea of Reeds and the Jordan, to enter the promised land, the kingdom of God (Psalm 114:1–8).