LEARN FROM GOD'S WORD-Why Was Jesus Baptized?

Why was Jesus Baptized?

Jesus was about 30 years of age when John the Baptizer dipped him under the water of the Jordan River. Jesus' baptism represented his decision to do God's will for him.  (Hebrews 10:7) This would include his laying down his life as a sacrifice for the sins of humankind. Even before he came down from heaven to live on earth, Jesus had always loved and obeyed his Father, Jehovah-Read Mark 1:9-11; John 8:29; 17:5. 

Why should a Christian be baptized? 

Our situation is different from that of Jesus-we are born as sinners. Yet, Jesus' sacrificial death makes it possible for us to have a good relationship with God.  (Romans 5:10,12; 12:1, 2) It is actually possible for us to belong to him as a member of his family.  (2 Corinthians 6:18) How do we gain that privilege? In private prayer, we dedicate  ourselves to Jehovah, vowing to do his will for the rest of our life. After making such a dedication, we symbolize it in public by being baptized. -Read Matthew 16:24; 1 Peter 4:2. 

Next time: LEARN FROM GOD'S WORD -How Can You Prepare for Baptism?

From the Watchtower magazine, 2012