Why was Jesus baptized — and what does it reveal about His mission?

In The Baptism of Jesus (Part 2), Pastor Bart Horton continues in Mark 1:9–11. As Jesus steps into the waters of baptism, it isn’t Jesus confessing sin — He’s identifying with sinners and committing Himself to the path of obedience that leads to the cross fulfilling all righteousness.

You’ll also see the glory of this moment as the heavens are torn open, the Spirit descends, and the Father speaks His approval over the Son — a powerful display that Jesus is the Messiah and that His rescue mission is underway.

In Mark 1:9–11, Jesus steps into the Jordan to be baptized by John — and nothing about that moment is accidental or merely symbolic.

In The Baptism of Jesus (Part 1), Pastor Bart Horton explains why Christ’s baptism marks the commencement of the greatest rescue mission in history. Jesus isn’t confessing sin — He has none. He’s identifying with sinners and committing Himself to a ministry that will certainly end in His death.

This is the starting point of Christ’s public work, the moment His path is set toward the cross — and it changes how we think about Jesus, and how we live for Him.

Growing In Grace is presented by Grace Bible Church in Hutchinson KS

What does real humility look like — and how do you know when you’re actually making much of Christ instead of making much of yourself?

In Be the Best Nobody You Can Be (Part 2), Pastor Bart Horton continues in Mark 1:2–8 and keeps our focus on John the Baptist — the promised messenger who prepared the way for Jesus. You’ll see why John refuses to be the point, and why his words in Mark 1:7–8 draw a bright line between what a messenger can do and what only Christ can do.

John can baptize with water, but only Jesus Christ can baptize with the Holy Spirit. And that difference isn’t small — it’s the difference between an outward symbol and the inward work only the Savior can accomplish.