Why did Jesus get Baptized?
Why did Jesus get baptized if he was sinless? The baptism of Jesus has many symbolic references to the Old Testament largely due to it taking place in the Jordan River. First, let us answer “why did Jesus get baptized?”. Jesus chose to be baptized as a way to show that he unites himself with humanity. He decided to share in that burden of sin and guilt with us, so we may share with him the kingdom of heaven. Jesus shows the ultimate humility by him being the only begotten son of God who is without sin and counting himself among us sinners.
The catechism states:
“The baptism of Jesus is on his part the acceptance and inauguration of his mission as God’s suffering Servant. He allows himself to be numbered among sinners; he is already “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.”* Already he is anticipating the “baptism” of his bloody death.* Already he is coming to “fulfill all righteousness,” that is, he is submitting himself entirely to his Father’s will: out of love he consents to this baptism of death for the remission of our sins.* The Father’s voice responds to the Son’s acceptance, proclaiming his entire delight in his Son.* The Spirit whom Jesus possessed in fullness from his conception comes to “rest on him.”* Jesus will be the source of the Spirit for all mankind. At his baptism “the heavens were opened”*—the heavens that Adam’s sin had closed—and the waters were sanctified by the descent of Jesus and the Spirit, a prelude to the new creation. - Who Was Conceived by the Holy Spirit, Born of the Virgin Mary, CCC 536”
For those who do not believe that Christians have to be baptized, not only does Jesus say that we need baptism for salvation, but he was baptized himself making it all the more reason we should follow. Jesus tells us in the Gospel of mark “He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. - Mark 16:16” Jesus also affirms this in (MT 20:19-20) and in the Gospel of John “Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. - John 3:5”.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church has this to say regarding baptism:
“The Lord himself affirms that Baptism is necessary for salvation.* He also commands his disciples to proclaim the Gospel to all nations and to baptize them.* Baptism is necessary for salvation for those to whom the Gospel has been proclaimed and who have had the possibility of asking for this sacrament.* The Church does not know of any means other than Baptism that assures entry into eternal beatitude; this is why she takes care not to neglect the mission she has received from the Lord to see that all who can be baptized are “reborn of water and the Spirit.” God has bound salvation to the sacrament of Baptism, but he himself is not bound by his sacraments. - The Sacrament of Baptism, CCC 1257”
Jesus being baptized in the Jordan river points to story of Exodus when the Israelites finally make it out of the desert when they arrive at the Jordan river and enter the promised land. Jesus being baptized in the Jordan signified that the great and final exodus has arrived. The world would be free from the chains of death and sin by the Messiah Jesus Christ. Another key symbolic moment that references (Gn 8:10-12) is when Jesus comes out of the water, the spirit descends upon him like a dove (MK 1:10-11) in the story of the flood, Noah sent out a dove over the new world after the flood. The spirit descending like a dove signifies that a new world has begun.
The baptism at the Jordan River also recalls to when the prophet Elijah is taken up into heaven and gave a double portion of his spirit to Elisha (2 Kings 2:9-14). With John the Baptist known as the new Elijah this makes Jesus the new and greater Elisha.
For more on this subject you can read “Praying the Rosary like never before by Dr. Edward Sri. For more deep dives on a multitude of articles around baptism, ‘Catholic Answers’ has you covered.
