The baptism of Jesus inaugurates his public ministry as an adult. From Matthew’s infancy narrative we have already learned that Jesus is the Messiah, Son of God, Son of David and King of the Jews. From Matthew’s description of John the Baptist we know that John was preparing the way of the “Lord” and looking forward to the “mightier” one coming after him. At last, Jesus the adult comes to John at the Jordan River to seek his baptism. In doing so, Jesus steps onto the public stage.

Matthew’s account of Jesus’ baptism is unique in including a conversation between John and Jesus. When John objects and insists that Jesus should be baptizing him, Jesus dissuades him on the ground that “it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” The idea seems to be that in John’s baptism of Jesus, the divine plan was being carried forward.

What was the problem? On the one hand, John’s baptism involved repentance and forgiveness of sins in the face of the coming kingdom of God. Presumably Jesus did not need that. On the other hand, John proclaimed that the “mightier” one would bring a better baptism, not with water only but with the Holy Spirit and fire. Why then did Jesus accept John’s baptism? In doing so Jesus identified with sinful humankind and thus expressed his full solidarity with us. Along these lines Pope Benedict XVI has suggested in his book This article appears in January 7 2008.