Baptism of the Lord

The Baptism of the Lord is the great event because it is the occasion of the first public revelation of all the Three Persons in the Holy Trinity, and the official revelation of Jesus as the Son of God to the world by God the Father. Hence, it is described by all four Gospels. It marks the beginning of Jesus' public ministry.

The turning point:

Jesus baptism by John was a very important event in the Messianic mission.

First it was a moment of identification with us sinners. Sinless, Jesus received the baptism of repentance to identify Himself with His people who realized for the first time that they were sinners. (As given in the anecdotes, St. Damien, Blessed Mother Teresa, Gandhi, and Mandela identified with the people whom they served).

Second, it was a moment of conviction about Jesus’ identity and mission: that He is the Son of God and His mission was to preach the Good News of God’s love and salvation and to atone for our sins by becoming the “suffering servant.” God the Father’s words, “This is My beloved Son," (Psalm 2:17), confirmed Jesus’ identity as Incarnate Son of God, and the words "with Whom I am well pleased,” (Isaiah 42:1), referring to the "suffering servant"), pointed to Jesus' mission of atoning for the sins of the world by suffering and dying on the cross.

Third, it was a moment of equipment. The Holy Spirit, descending and resting upon Jesus in the form of a dove, bestowed on Jesus the power to preach and heal.

Fourth, receiving the approval of God, His Heavenly Father, as His Beloved Son presented Jesus with a moment of decision -- to begin public ministry at the most opportune time.