Baptism of Jesus

This window portrays the baptism of Jesus. The public ministry of Jesus began with His baptism in the Jordan river, which is in Israel, by John the Baptist. John the Baptist was the last of the Old Testament prophets, sent by God to proclaim the word of the Lord to all who would listen. John declared loudly the immanent coming of the Messiah. John called for all people to turn from their sins and rebellion, and instead walk in the ways of God. Midway through John’s ministry his declarations were fulfilled as Jesus began his public ministry through being baptized by John. As Jesus was raised from the waters of baptism, God the Father spoke from heaven and declared in an audible voice to all who were present that Jesus was indeed His Son.

The New Testament goes on to call for all Christians to follow in Jesus’ pattern, and also be baptized. Believer’s baptism, as it is called, does not save anyone, but is instead a symbolic act which publicly declares every Christian’s choice to follow Jesus. It also symbolically demonstrates a Christian’s joining with Jesus in His death and resurrection (Romans 6:3-10).