Baptism of Jesus Christ

Definition: Baptism of Jesus
The Baptism of Christ is a story from the Christian New Testament. At the beginning of his ministry, Jesus requests baptism by John the Baptist. After protesting that he is not worthy, John performs the baptism in the River Jordan. The Baptism of Christ is a frequent subject of Christian iconography, appearing especially on the walls and ceilings of baptisteries, carved on baptismal fonts, and as one of several major scenes in the Life of Christ.

Definition: Baptism of Jesus

The Baptism of Christ is a story from the Christian New Testament. At the beginning of his ministry, Jesus requests baptism by John the Baptist. After protesting that he is not worthy, John performs the baptism in the River Jordan. The Baptism of Christ is a frequent subject of Christian iconography, appearing especially on the walls and ceilings of baptisteries, carved on baptismal fonts, and as one of several major scenes in the Life of Christ.

Jesus reenters the Gospel narratives at about the age of 30 (circa 26 CE). The four gospels agree that Jesus' first act was to be baptized by John the Baptist, a charismatic and ascetic figure who called people to repentance and baptized those who responded. This event marked the beginning of Jesus' ministry.

After the baptism, several of John's followers left to follow Jesus. Jesus then selected several others until he had established a group of 12 disciples. (Two of these disciples, Matthew and John, are the traditional authors of the Gospels that carry their name.)