Why did Jesus need to be baptized?

Question

Gramps,

Some say that Jesus was baptized just to set an example for the rest of us. Others say that even though he was perfect it was still required of him to be baptized. Although it did set a great example, I can’t understand why he actually needed to be baptized because he was the son of God and was perfect in every way.

Lee

Answer

Lee,

Let’s take a look at the Gospels in the New Testament and see what Jesus himself said about the matter;

In Matthew 3:15 we read

And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.

In this we can see that Jesus needed to display his humility before His Father. He had to demonstrate (or set an example) what is required of those who seek to return to Heavenly Father’s presence. At the same time, it was required of Him also. Had He not submitted to baptism, He would not have ‘fulfilled all righteousness’. Jesus and his life on this earth serve several important purposes. One of those purposes is to demonstrate what is needed in order to become everything He now is. Remember that we are likewise promised an inheritance at the Father’s hand should we also be as obedient.

The only difference between us and Jesus, in this matter, was that Jesus needed no Atonement, was not guilty of any sin. We, on the other hand, absolutely need the Atonement, for we are all guilty of sin. The glory of the Atonement is that as we prove ourselves. We may yet be granted “all that the father hath” because of the wondrous example set by our dear Savior Jesus Christ. He marked the way, without omitting a single step on the path. All we must do is follow in His steps. The Atonement will help us overcome our mortal frailties as we fight against them in this life. So long as we never give up the fight, but ‘finish the race’. Unimaginable blessings will await us after this life.

Gramps