From the River to the Mountain: It All Begins with Baptism

At his baptism in the Jordan River Jesus was publicly anointed with the Holy Spirit and designated by

God the Father as his chosen Messiah. Thus, Jesus’ baptism was the beginning of his public ministry.

Jesus’ baptism revealed that he was not just a nice guy who could make a sturdy table. He was God’s

chosen servant, the one who had come to bring salvation to the ends of the earth. Jesus is the one

willing to stand in our place as our substitute and Savior.

Jesus’ baptism reveals to us who he really is. Our own baptism does the same! Our baptism was the

beginning of a new and better life—eternal life!—a gift graciously given to us by our truest friend. Jesus’

ministry and our eternity with him. It begins with baptism.