The Biblical story of the Baptism of Jesus is recorded in all four Gospels. What is interesting to note is that Luke records John’s imprisonment before Jesus’ baptism. John Piper believes Luke did this to emphasize that John was not the Messiah and that Jesus was not baptized to be one of John’s disciples. I think the two lines of Scripture also deliberately mark the end of John’s burden on earth. His purpose complete, Jesus could now come forward. Luke 16:16 tells us that the law and the prophets were there for the people until John came, and then came the good news of Christ Jesus. Jesus’ ministry on Earth had begun. John, himself, exclaims: “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! (John 1:29) Prophecy had come true. John, cousin to Jesus, was chosen by God before his birth to proclaim the Son of God. After many years in the desert, John came into society with a force unseen since the prophets of old. He came preaching repentance and baptism in water. He introduced the new covenant to the people, exclaiming that the Messiah had arrived.
When Jesus came to him, John at first refused to baptize him, saying that Jesus should baptize him. Jesus replied: “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” And so John consented. When Jesus came up from the water, the heavens opened and the Holy Spirit descended upon Him. The Bible records that the Spirit came like a dove and alighted on him.
Why a dove? Why this metaphor? It has certainly become the symbol of peace.
Noah sent a dove out of the ark to discover land after the Great Flood. When the dove came back the second time, it carried an olive leaf in its mouth. The wrath was over. Peace was restored. God promised not to destroy in this way again. A new covenant was begun. Later, according to Leviticus 5:7, those who could not afford a lamb for sacrifice could substitute a dove.
Centuries later, the dove “appears” again. He once again brings peace and a new covenant. Jesus, just baptized in water, was now baptized by the Holy Spirit.
“Christ’s baptism in the Jordan was “theophany,” a manifestation of God to the world, because it was the beginning of our Lord’s public ministry. It was also a “theophany” in that the world was granted a revelation of the Holy Trinity. All three Persons were made manifest together: the Father testified from on high to the divine Sonship of Jesus; the Son received His Father’s testimony; and the Spirit was seen in the form of a dove, descending from the Father and resting upon the Son.” The Trinity was physically and spiritually revealed when a voice came from heaven. Jesus’ ministry of redemption and salvation had begun and God, the Father spoke: “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:17) The Father acknowledged His Son and the world was forever changed.