Matthew 3:13-17
BAPTISM IS THE DEFINING MARK OF CHRISTIAN IDENTITY
The baptism of Christ was a fulfillment of all righteousness
1. It marked the beginning of His public ministry
2. It demonstrated Divine approval of Him as the Messiah the Old Testament predicted
, Isaiah 11:1-2, 42:1, 61:1
3. It identified Him with sinners
, Isaiah 53:11-12 2 Corinthians 5:21
4. It prefigured the significance of believer’s baptism
, Matthew 28:19-20 Acts 2:38, 41; 8:12-13, 36; 9:18, 16:15, 33