This study is about the baptisms of Jesus and John the Baptist, and of “John the Baptist’s” testimony to Jesus.

It includes a discussion of the different types of baptism, and ends with various comments by John concerning Jesus’ ministry.

John 3:22-36

Verse 22: “After this Jesus and his disciples went into the Judean countryside, and he remained there with them and was baptizing.”

The root word for baptism is “baptisma,” — “the process of immersion, submersion and emergence from.”

Even though this verse says Jesus was baptizing, other scriptures tell us it was His disciples who actually did the baptizing.

John the Baptist

Isaiah 40:3 prophesied that he would be “a voice of one calling, ‘In the desert prepare the way for the Lord.’”

And Malachi 1 refers to John the Baptist as “the direct announcer of God.”

John’s calling was one that all the other prophets sought. His calling was not to perform miracles and, to say the least, he didn’t have a fancy lifestyle.

Instead, his calling was to prepare the way for, and to introduce, the Messiah. Everything he did pointed to Jesus. The people believed him, even in John 11:41. The people recognized John from prophesies in the scriptures.

Verses 23-24: John also was baptizing at Aenon near Salim, because water was plentiful there, and people were coming and being baptized (for John had not yet been put in prison).

Baptism by John

The Jewish people practiced ceremonial washing, and according to history, a few hundred years preceding Christ, some began practicing what has been referred to as “a once-forall ceremonial washing,” which was total “immersion” in water, or “baptism.”

John’s baptism was for repentance of sin and as a sign of total commitment to his soon-to-be new life in the Christ, and to show that everyone has to come to God on the same terms.

Baptism by Jesus

Jesus couldn’t get ahead of himself. He hadn’t been crucified and the Spirit was not yet given, so this was a water baptism, not a spiritual baptism.

Most agree the type of baptism Jesus did was the same, and in fact a continuation of, John the Baptist’s baptism — for repentance of sins and a pledge of total allegiance to the Messiah.

Baptism of Jesus

In John 1, Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist. But John was reluctant, saying that he did not consider himself worthy to baptize Jesus.

In addition, his baptism was for the repentance of sin, and Jesus was sinless.

Many in the early 1st century believed the Spirit was no longer available in their time, or that it was not as forceful as in the days of the prophets.

The Spirit coming upon Jesus is seen by many as the inauguration of the Messianic era.

Baptism of Babies

Babies are sometimes baptized, not submersed but usually sprinkled, sym- bolizing a type of dedication of the baby to God. This is seen as a symbol of commitment on the part of the parents that they will rear their child to serve the Lord, but should not be considered a part of the plan of salvation.

Christian’s Water

Baptism

The water baptism is when the Christian is baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

Acts 2 records a spiritual baptism with tongues of fire as occurred on the day of Pentecost.

This is the baptismal in Luke 24:49, where Jesus directed his disciples to tarry until they were endowed with power.

“And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry in the city of Jerusalem, until you are endued with power from on high.”

Verse 25-26: “An argument developed between some of John’s disciples and a certain Jew over the matter of ceremonial washing.”

We aren’t told the basis of the argument between John’ disciples and “a certain Jew.” But the matter of purification is found throughout John.

Verse 26: “They came to John and said to him, ‘Rabbi, that man who was with you on the other side of the Jordan — the one you testifi ed about — well, he is baptizing, and everyone is going to him.’”

Verse 27: “To this John replied, ‘A man can receive only what is given him from heaven.’”