Why was Jesus baptized?
Should Jesus have been baptized?
You might be wondering, "Why would He need to be baptized?" Let's break it down, addressing some common objections and then exploring Aquinas’ reasons on why Jesus chose to be baptized.
Objection 1: Why Would Jesus Need to Be Baptized?
Baptism is about washing away sin, right? But Jesus was sinless. So, it might seem odd for Him to undergo something that's about cleansing when He didn't need cleansing. It could be like a doctor taking medicine they don't need—unnecessary, right?
Objection 2: Baptism Wasn't Part of the Jewish Law
We know that Jesus followed the Jewish law, which required circumcision. But baptism wasn't a part of the law. So, if it wasn't required, why did Jesus get baptized? Wasn't circumcision enough to show He was following the rules?
Objection 3: Jesus Is the Source of Baptism
Think about it: Jesus is the one who gives baptism its power. He is the source, as mentioned in John 1:33 ("The one on whom you see the Spirit descending and remaining is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit"). If He's the source, why would He need to undergo the same process?
So, Why Was Jesus Baptized?
Despite these objections, there's a good reason Jesus was baptized. Here's why:
1. To Cleanse the Waters: Ambrose explains that Jesus wasn't baptized to be cleansed but to cleanse the waters. By immersing Himself, He purified the water, giving it the power to cleanse others through baptism. Chrysostom supports this by saying that Jesus sanctified the water to be used for future baptisms.
2. To Take On Human Nature: Jesus didn't have sin, but He took on human nature, which has the appearance of sin. Though He didn't need baptism, He took part in it because others in human nature needed it. Gregory Nazianzen adds that by being baptized, Jesus submerged the old sinful nature (Adam) in the water, representing a new beginning.
3. To Set an Example: Augustine notes that Jesus was baptized to do what He asks others to do. It's like a coach demonstrating a move to the team—leading by example. In Matthew 3:15, Jesus said, "It is proper for us to fulfill all righteousness." This shows He was setting the standard by doing it Himself.
Addressing the Objections
Now, let's respond to the objections:
- Objection 1: Jesus wasn't baptized to be cleansed but to cleanse. So, it wasn't about His need for washing—it was about empowering the water to cleanse others.
- Objection 2: While Jesus followed the Old Law, He also began what was part of the New Law. This means that besides circumcision, He also embraced baptism, showing that it was not only about following the old rules but also about starting something new.
- Objection 3: Yes, Jesus is the source of baptism's spiritual power. But when He was baptized, it was just in water, not with the Holy Spirit, keeping His role as the principle of spiritual baptism intact.
Conclusion
Jesus' baptism wasn't about washing away His sins; it was about setting an example, cleansing the waters, and connecting with human nature. His baptism shows us the importance of leading by example, even when it might seem unnecessary at first glance. Ultimately, it was a profound act that changed the course of Christian tradition and gave us a new way to connect with God.