Jesus was baptized by John. Members of the New Covenant are baptized (Col. 2:11-12) and Jesus is their forerunner. Thus, Jesus was fulfilling all righteousness (cf. Matt 3:15). As Jesus was praying three things happened: (1) "heaven was opened," (2) "the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove," and (3) "a voice came from heaven: 'You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.'"
All four Gospels tell us that the Holy Spirit came on Jesus at the time of his baptism. The dove was normally a symbol of Israel, but here it was the outward sign of the coming of the Holy Spirit on Jesus. The heavenly voice approved Jesus as he began his public ministry. Compare: Ezekiel 1:1; John 1:51; Acts 7:56; 10:11; Revelation 19:11. John saw the heavens opened (cf. John 1:29-34), so it is very possible others did too.
God spoke. He thundered (cf. Psa.18:13; Isa. 30:30, 31; Luke 9:35). "You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased" (Luke 3:22). God spoke his Word:
Psalm 2:7 I will tell of the decree: The Lord said to me, You are my Son; today I have begotten you.
Isaiah 42:1 Behold my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my Spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the nations.
Psalm 2 displays the Messiah's unique Father/Son relationship with God. Isaiah 42 demonstrates the suffering Messiah. The Son of God became flesh to fulfill the Covenant of Redemption. God was well pleased. While the Covenant of Redemption itself was made in eternity, Jesus' birth and baptism were part and parcel of the initiation of the Covenant of Redemption upon earth.
The Covenant of Redemption is the agreement made between the members of the Trinity (some say it is only between the Father and the Son) in order to bring us salvation. Under this covenant, the Father plans redemption and sends the Son in order to save his people. The Son agrees to be sent and to do the work necessary to save the elect (John 10:17-18), and the Spirit agrees to apply the work of Christ to us by sealing us unto salvation (Eph. 1:13-14).
In Hodge's Systematic Theology, he lists several promises the Father gives to the Son in the Covenant of Redemption made in eternity. Summarized:
- (1) that God would form a purified church for his Son.
- (2) that the Son would receive the Spirit without measure.
- (3) that he would be ever-present to support him.
- (4) that he would deliver him from death and exalt him to his right hand.
- (5) that he would have the Holy Spirit to send to whom he willed; that is his chosen people.
- (6) that all the Father gave to him would come to him and none of these be lost.
- (7) that multitudes would partake of his redemption and his messianic Kingdom.
- (8) that he would see the travail of his soul and be satisfied.
What a baptism!
Jesus also was baptized. John's baptism was a sign of repentance for the forgiveness of sins (v. 3). Since Jesus was without sin (Heb. 4:15), he had no need of repentance or forgiveness. Thus, he was not baptized for his own sake, but the sake of his people. Jesus was identifying with sinners who needed to be baptized and whose lives needed to be marked by repentance. He not only died as a substitute (Isa. 53:4-6, 10-11; Rom. 5:8), but lived as one well. This was to accomplish all righteousness on their behalf (Matt. 3:15; 2 Cor. 5:21; Phil. 3:9).
praying. Prayer is a central theme in Luke's writing. Jesus is often shown praying and held up as a model of prayerful devotion to God (3:21; 5:16; 6:12-13; 9:18, 28-29; 11:1; 22:32, 41; 23:34, 46). It was out of the context of Jesus's relationship to the Father that he prayed and received not only the visible empowering of God's Spirit, but also an affirmation of the Father's love and delight (v. 22).
heavens opened. A sign of the messianic age to come (Isa. 64:1) and God's revelation (v. 22; see Ezek. 1:1; John 1:51; Acts 7:56; 10:11; Rev. 19:11).
