Why Did Jesus Get Baptized If He Was Sinless? | Mark 1:9-11

The Daily Devotional by Vince Miller

Welcome to The Daily, where we study the Bible verse by verse, chapter by chapter, every single day.

We are in the Gospel of Mark. Go to the website and grab the Scripture Journal for this study so you can study along with us.

Our shout-out today goes to Phillip "William" Beckwith from Greer, SC. Thanks for being a monthly partner. We cannot do what we do here without the support of faithful donors like you. I love you brother.

Today, we’re reading Mark 1:9-11:

In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And when he came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” — Mark 1:9-11

Jesus didn’t need to be baptized. Yet, he did. He stepped into the waters of baptism to identify with us. He didn’t come to be served but to serve, to walk through the same trials and experiences we face. And his baptism marked the start of his public ministry, but we see here it also served as a resounding affirmation from the Father.

As Jesus came out of the water, the heavens were torn open, the Spirit descended like a dove, and the Father’s voice thundered, "You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased." This was profound on two levels. First, it revealed Jesus's identity as the Son of God, marked by divine approval. Second, it displayed the full Trinity in action: the Father speaking, the Son being baptized, and the Spirit descending.

But there’s more.

Jesus didn’t come just to receive the Father’s approval. He came to restore our relationship with the Father. The voice that said, “You are my beloved Son” is now extended to us. The Father adopts us into his family through Jesus. The same Spirit that descended on Jesus is available to empower us today. Jesus’s baptism is a reminder that the Father delights in his children and that he equips us with his Spirit to live out our calling.

You see, this moment wasn’t just for Jesus. It was done as an example and declaration for all who would follow him. We are invited into an immersive relationship with the Father. Public baptism declares we are confirmed, secured, and empowered by the Father.

If you haven’t made the decision to follow Jesus, today is the day to turn to him. Jesus came to restore your relationship with your Father and empower you to live for him. Will you accept that invitation today?

You see, the Father is not distant or disengaged. He is actively involved in our lives, calling us to be his children. Just as Jesus was affirmed and empowered in his identity as the Son of God, we too are called to walk in our new identity as sons and daughters of the King.

Don't do this life alone without the Heavenly Father. He has done everything to call you home.

If today is the day for you to come home. Write "I choose Jesus," in the comments below.

#BelovedByTheFather, #Mark1Devotional, #IdentityInChrist

ASK THIS:

1. Why do you think Jesus chose to be baptized?
2. How does the Father’s voice shape your view of God?
3. Do you live from approval or for approval?
4. What does it mean to you to be called God’s beloved child?

DO THIS:

Make your identity in Christ your foundation—live from the Father’s affirmation, not for it.

PRAY THIS:

Father, thank you for calling me your beloved. Empower me by your Spirit to live boldly in my new identity. Amen.

PLAY THIS:

Who You Say I Am.