The Baptism of Jesus — Bible audio story cover art

The Baptism of Jesus

Matthew 3:13-17; Mark 1:9-11

The heavens opened, the Spirit descended, and a Father spoke to his Son.

Jesus walks from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. John objects: I need to be baptized by you — why are you coming to me? Jesus insists: Let it be so now, to fulfill all righteousness. John consents. As Jesus comes up out of the water, the heavens tear open. The Spirit of God descends like a dove and lands on him. Then a voice from heaven — the Father's voice — declares what no one else yet understands: This is my Son, whom I love, with him I am well pleased. It's the only moment in the Gospels where Father, Son, and Spirit are all visible simultaneously. The public ministry is about to begin.