COMMENTARY ON MARK
LESSON NUMBER 6
THE BAPTISM OF JESUS
Mark 1:9 And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan. 10 And straightway coming up out of the water, He saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon Him: 11 And there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” (Mark 1:9-11)
INTRODUCTION
John the Baptist was sent to prepare the way for the Lord – to make His paths straight, removing the obstacles and clearing the way for the Savior. This was done first by calling men to repentance. Second, it was accomplished by John identifying “the Christ.” The Lord told him he would know the identity of the coming Savior in the act of baptism. Thus he testified, “And I knew Him not: but He that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on Him, the same is He which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost” (John 1:33). Therefore, it was at the baptismal waters that the promised Messiah would be made known. Matthew, Mark, and Luke provide a record of Christ’s baptism. John does not record the baptism itself, but mentioned the voice from heaven that followed it. Remember, Mark is declaring “the beginning of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.” Christ’s baptism, therefore, is integral to that Gospel. It ought to be noted that this account should have a place in shaping our ideas about baptism. There is much controversy in the religious world over the subject of baptism. However, I know of no divisions over the Gospel account of Jesus being baptized. It serves as a sterling example of the sanctity of this ordinance. Here is an outward action through which the Son of God was identified. Men would not have chosen such a point of revelation. It serves to accent the humility involved in Jesus coming to the earth. He became identified with those he came to save – even in the matter of being baptized.
IN THOSE DAYS JESUS CAME FROM NAZARETH
“ Mark 1:9 And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan.”
IT CAME TO PASS. Other versions read, “it came about,” NASB and “it happened.” NAB This phrase is used 453 times in Scripture. Many of those times it is used merely to denote that something occurred, without regard to specific Divine intentions. However, there are times where the expression declares that something that had been purposed by God came into being. The phrase is translated from a single Greek word that means “to come into existence, to appear in history, or appear on the stage. STRONG’S Here the phrase refers to something God had purposed, coming into being. This is something for which God is noted – bringing His purpose to pass: “Surely as I have thought, so shall it come to pass; and as I have purposed, so shall it stand” (Isa 14:24). And again, “I have purposed it, I will also do it” (Isa 46:11).
IN THOSE DAYS. As John “was baptizing,” the time for the revelation of the Son of God came. From the announcement of the coming Seed of the woman until that very day, Satan has sought to stop this revelation – but the day arrived on schedule. Jesus was not made known in the normalities of life, but in an activity related to matters of the soul.
JESUS CAME FROM NAZARETH. After the wise men returned to their country, ignoring the word of Herod, Joseph was instructed in a dream to quickly leave Bethlehem with Mary and Jesus: “Arise, and take the young Child and His mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy Him” (Matt 2:13). Matthew says this fulfilled Hosea’s prophecy, “Out of Egypt have I called My Son” (Matt 2:15). As soon as Herod was dead, “an angel of the Lord” appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, telling him to “take the young child and His mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead which sought the young child’s life” (Matt 2:-19-20). Upon returning to Israel, he heard that Archelaus reigned in Judaea in place of his father Herod. Joseph was then afraid to go into Israel. Notwithstanding, “being warned of God in a dream,” he went into “the parts of Galilee.” That is the point at which “he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene” (Matt 2:21-23; Num 6:13). This is the place in which Jesus was raised.
During His ministry, the people referred to Jesus as “Jesus the prophet of Nazareth of Galilee” (Matt 21:11). He was also called “Jesus of Nazareth” (Matt 26:71; Mk 10:47; 14:67). When the women, not knowing that Jesus was risen, went to anoint the body of Jesus, a angel referred to the risen Lord as “Jesus of Nazareth” (Mk 16:6). This was the city where Zecharias and Elizabeth, and the virgin Mary, lived prior to Jesus’ birth (Lk 1:26). It is also where Joseph lived when he went to Bethlehem to be taxed (Lk 2:4). Joseph and Mary made their early home there (Lk 2:39). Following his visit in the Temple at twelve years of age, the young Jesus returned to Nazareth where he was subject to His parents (Lk 2:51). Nazareth is described as the place “where He had been brought up” (Lk 4:16). Even demons referred to Him as “Jesus of Nazareth” (Lk 4:34). Seven times in the book of Acts, Jesus is said to have been “of Nazareth” (2:22; 3:6; 4:10; 6:14; 10:38; 22:8; 26:9).
Now Jesus comes to John “from Nazareth in Galilee,” where He had spent most of His life. This was a city with a bad reputation. Upon hearing Philip say they had found the one of whom Moses and the prophets did write, “Jesus of Nazareth,” Nathaniel responded, “Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth?” (Lk 1:46). Yes! It can!
AND WAS BAPTIZED OF JOHN IN JORDAN. Matthew adds that He came “to be baptized” by John (Matt 3:13). It was at that point, still not knowing who Jesus was, that John tried to stop Jesus, saying, “I need to be baptized by You, and are You coming to me?” (Matt 3:14). Jesus quickly responded, “Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him” [or consented] NIV (Mat 3:15). It is interesting that Jesus referred to John’s baptism as fulfilling “all righteousness.” The Amplified Bible reads, “perform completely whatever is right.” Jesus refers to this as something Himself and John were doing: “us.” It was right for John to baptize Jesus, and it was right for Jesus to submit to be baptized. Luke records that “when all the people were baptized,” Jesus was “also baptized.” He adds that when he was baptized, Jesus was “praying” (Lk 3:21).
Jesus, of course, was not baptized “for the remission of sins,” as were all others (Mark 1:4). His baptism was not “unto repentance,” as everyone else (Matt 3:11). Jesus, however, knew that baptism was the will of God, as well as the point at which He would be revealed. His attitude toward this ordinance reflected the kind of mind that would be realized by us in the New Covenant. There would come a certain eagerness to do anything and everything that was ordained by God and pleases God. That is the manner of the kingdom.
HE SAW THE HEAVENS OPENED
“ 10 And straightway coming up out of the water, He saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon Him.”
This was the first public appearance of Christ as the Messiah. Prior to this He was known, but not primarily as a public figure. John, for example, knew that He was a godly man (Matt 3:14). Others knew Him as “carpenter, the son of Mary,” with four brothers and some sisters (Mk 6:3). Still others considered Him to be “the son of Joseph” (Lk 3:23). However, until the day John baptized Him, Jesus was not in any way known as the Messiah or the Son of God. Now, as Jesus comes from Nazareth to be baptized, He is going to draw the sword of truth and throw away the scabbard! He would commence an assault on the kingdom of darkness such as had never before been known.
COMING UP OUT OF THE WATER. This does not refer to Jesus walking out of water onto the shore. The word translated “coming up out” means to “arise, ascend, to go up.” STRONG’S It refers to Jesus coming up out of the water into which He was plunged, or buried. This confirms that baptism is, indeed, a burial in, and resurrection from, water – where one goes down and comes up. That is why it is said of John’s baptizing, “And John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there”(John 3:23). Matthew also says Jesus “went up straightway [or immediately] out of the water” (Matt 3:16). Luke emphasizes that this was part of His baptism: “being baptized” (Lk 3:21).
HE SAW THE HEAVENS OPENED. It is Jesus Himself that “saw the heavens parting.” NKJV Matthew records, “and lo, the heavens were opened unto Him” (Matt 3:16). Luke records, “the heaven was opened” (Lk 3:21). To my knowledge, the only time prior to this that the heavens are said to have been opened was in the days of Ezekiel. He wrote, “Now it came to pass in the thirtieth year, in the fourth month, in the fifth day of the month, as I was among the captives by the river of Chebar, that the heavens were opened, and I saw visions of God” (Ezek 1:1). That is when Ezekiel saw a cloud, enfolding fire, four living creatures and a free-wheeling and unhindered throne (1:4-28). As impressive as that sight was, it is not to be compared with the occasion of our text.
This was a special sign for the Son of God Himself – to see the heavens opened “unto Him.” It was the domain from which He had come – He “came down from heaven” (John 3:13). He is known as “He that cometh from heaven,” who is “above all” (John 3:31). He referred to Himself as “the Bread of God,” who “cometh down from heaven and giveth life unto the world” (John 6:33). And now, before He embarks on His mission, He is given to see the heavens opened. What a blessed and encouraging sight it must have been!
THE SPIRIT LIKE A DOVE DESCENDING. As Jesus peered into the heavens, He saw “the Spirit like a dove descending.” Luke writes, “and the Holy Spirit descended in a bodily shape like a dove” (Lk 3:22). Matthews says “He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove” (Matt 3:16).
What a fitting form for the Spirit to assume! It was a dove that Noah sent from the ark “to see if the waters had abated from the earth.” At first, that dove “found no rest for the sole of her foot,” and so returned to the ark. Seven days later Noah sent out the dove, and she returned with an olive branch in her mouth. After seven days he sent her out, and the dove did not return (Gen 8:8-12). Until Jesus, the Holy Spirit had rarely found anything living among men. Some few souls like Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, David, and the prophets proved to be noble souls – yet none were suitable as a Savior. At Jesus’ baptism, however, the gentle Holy Spirit, known for His tenderness, will find among men one who can save the world.
UPON HIM. This was the sign that John the Baptist had been awaiting for. Once seen, his own ministry would begin to diminish, giving way to the one who would baptism with the Holy Spirit and fire – something that no other man can do. Matthew says the Spirit descended “like a dove, and lighting upon Him” (Matt 3:16). Luke says the Spirit “descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon Him” (Lk 3:21). John was told the Spirit would descend and remain upon the one for whom he was preparing the people (John 1:33).
Peter probably was referring to this event when he told the household of Cornelius, “How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with Him” (Acts 10:38). Here as a man – “THE Man,” upon whom the Spirit could remain. He would “not fail nor be discouraged” (Isa 42:4). Not long after this event Jesus stood in his home-town synagogue in Nazareth and said, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me” (Luke 4:18). That Spirit was remaining, just as John was told He would. It is the Son, and only the Son, to whom God “giveth not the Spirit by measure” (John 3:34). The Spirit remained on Him!
THERE CAME A VOICE FROM HEAVEN
“ 11 And there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”
A VOICE FROM HEAVEN. Prior to Jesus, the words “a voice from heaven” are only mentioned one time – and it was a judgment against Nebuchadnezzar. It is written, “there fell a voice from heaven, saying, O king Nebuchadnezzar, to thee it is spoken; The kingdom is departed from thee. And they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field: they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen, and seven times shall pass over thee, until thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will” (Dan 4:31-32). But this is no judgment that is heard at the baptism of Jesus! This is the first time a voice from heaven has publically proclaimed one who is Beloved of God and well pleasing in all that He did.
There are three recorded times when a voice from heaven spoke to the Son of God. This is the first (Matt 3:17; Mark 1:9; Luke 3:22). The next is when Jesus was transfigured on the mount. Then God said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye Him” (Matt 17:5). The third is when Jesus was approaching the time of His betrayal and death. He prayed, “Father glorify Thy name!” It is written, “Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again” (John 12:28). First, when Jesus embarked on His ministry. Second, when He was in the thick of His ministry, beginning to focus upon the time of His death. Third, when He was preparing to lay down His life a ransom for many.
THOU ART MY BELOVED SON. There is evidence that this Divine approval was, in fact, public. We know that John saw the Spirit descending in for the form of a dove, and remaining upon Christ. That was his sign that the Messiah had arrived. It appears that the voice was also heard by others. Both Mark and Luke present the voice as speaking directly to Jesus: “Thou art my beloved Son” (Mk 1:11; Lk 3:22). Matthew, however, records God as saying, “THIS is My beloved Son” (Matt 3:17). It was important that the Savior Himself know this before He embarked upon His ministry. It was also vital that John the Baptist know it so he would be aware of the conclusion of his work. Those with ears to hear also needed to know this so they could take up their cross and follow Jesus.
Isaiah prophesied of the kind of Savior that would come into the world. His prophecy precisely fits what is recorded in our text. “Behold My servant, whom I have chosen; My beloved, in whom My soul is well pleased: I will put My spirit upon Him, and He shall show judgment to the Gentiles” (Matt 12:18). The Father’s love for the Son is declared to be the reason why He has shown everything to Him: “For the Father loveth the Son, and showeth Him all things that Himself doeth” (John 5:20). It is why the Father has given everything into His hands: “The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand” (John 3:35). There is a cause behind this love of the Father for the Son – an appointed condition. “Therefore doth My Father love Me, because I lay down My life, that I might take it again” (John 10:17).
IN WHOM I AM WELL PLEASED. It is one thing to be pleasing, it is quite another to be “well pleasing.” This is the reaction of the Father to the unwavering consistency of the Son. He testified, “And He that sent Me is with Me: the Father hath not left Me alone; for I do always those things that please Him” (John 8:29). Whatever you may think about pleasing the Lord, the One charged with saving the world could not in any way be displeasing to the Lord. He could not provoke the Father to anger, tempt Him, or murmur against Him. He could not withdraw from Him, be dull toward Him, or fail to hear Him. How pleasing it must have been to the Father when, at the tender age of twelve, Jesus said, “I must be about My Father’s business” (Luke 2:49).
Remember, this was spoken BEFORE Jesus began His ministry. It was said BEFORE He started preaching and teaching. Throughout His first thirty years – a period of relative obscurity – the Lord Jesus never failed to live for the Father, doing His will. During His formative years He “increased in wisdom,” and “in favor with God” (Luke 2:52). His life was so consistent and unfaltering that when He went up out of the water, the Father declared to the world, “in whom I AM well pleased!”
That is the kind of Savior we HAD to have, and that is the kind that we DO have! What is more, the Father’s good pleasure in the Son has never waned. He is still “satisfied” with the travail of His soul (Isa 53:11). A milestone has been reached in our own lives when we obtain the mind of the Father concerning Jesus Christ. When we can say, “He is the beloved Son of God, and I am well pleased with Him,” help is surely on the way!