Gospel of Mark Part 3: The Baptism of Jesus [Small Group Discussion]
- Rev. Bruce A. Shields
- Jan 19
- 3 min read
Title: The Baptism of Jesus – Fulfilling All Righteousness
Scripture Focus: Mark 1:9–11 – “Now it happened that in those days Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And immediately coming up out of the water, He saw the heavens being torn apart, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon Him; and a voice came out of the heavens: ‘You are My beloved Son, in You I am well-pleased.’”
OPENING QUESTION
If Jesus was without sin, why do you think He chose to be baptized?
BACKGROUND
Jesus’ baptism marked the transition from His private life in Nazareth to His public ministry. Taking place at the height of John the Baptist’s influence, it served as a public identification of Jesus as the Messiah. This moment was not only witnessed by the crowds—it was accompanied by the visible descent of the Holy Spirit and the audible voice of the Father, powerfully revealing the unity and testimony of the Godhead.
KEY POINTS
1. Setting of the Baptism
Jesus traveled from Nazareth in Galilee—about 100 miles to where John was baptizing (Mark 1:9; Luke 2:39–52).
Baptism took place in the Jordan River, at Bethany on the east side (John 1:28–29).
The Greek word baptizo indicates immersion, which is why John needed “more water” for the crowds coming to him.
2. The Event
As Jesus came up from the water, the heavens were “torn open” (Mark 1:10).
The Spirit descended like a dove upon Him (Luke 3:22).
The Father’s voice proclaimed: “You are My beloved Son, in You I am well-pleased” (Mark 1:11).
This was both a personal affirmation to Jesus and a public declaration to those present.
3. Why Was Jesus Baptized?
Not for repentance—He was without sin (Hebrews 4:15).
To fulfill all righteousness (Matthew 3:13–15).
To do the Father’s will (Psalm 40:7–8; John 4:34; John 8:29).
To be publicly identified as the One John had been proclaiming (John 1:29–34).
4. The Father and Spirit’s Testimony
The Holy Spirit confirmed His ministry (also seen in Matthew 12:28).
The Father’s voice affirmed His identity (Matthew 17:5).
This moment reveals the distinct persons of the Godhead—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19–20; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Ephesians 2:18).
5. Lessons for Christian Baptism
Our baptism is for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38).
It unites us with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection (Romans 6:3–7).
It symbolizes dying to self and rising to walk in newness of life.
If Jesus—sinless—was willing to obey God in baptism, how much more should we, who are in need of forgiveness? (Mark 16:15–16; Acts 22:16).
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
What does “fulfill all righteousness” mean in the context of Jesus’ baptism?
Why was it important for the Father and Spirit to give visible and audible confirmation of Jesus at His baptism?
How does Jesus’ baptism help us understand our own baptism today?
What does the baptism of Jesus teach us about obedience to God’s will?
How should the public nature of baptism impact our witness to others?
APPLICATION
Jesus’ baptism shows us the value of humility, obedience, and public identification with the Father’s will. He modeled complete submission to God’s plan, even in something He did not personally need for forgiveness. Our baptism should likewise be a declaration that we belong to Christ, that we have died to sin, and that we now live to walk in obedience.
MEMORY VERSE
Matthew 3:15 – “Permit it at this time; for in this way it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.”
PRAYER FOCUS
Pray for a heart willing to obey God fully, even in the things that may not seem necessary from our perspective. Thank the Father for affirming Christ as His Son, the Spirit for empowering Him, and the Son for modeling perfect submission.
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