why was jesus baptized at (about) the age of 30? why not as an infant?

Question

if he was free from original sin.. why be baptized at all?

Answer 1

Jesus was never stained by sin of any kind, and the early form of baptism that John was peforming at that time did not have the power to forgive sins, anyway.

Jesus' baptism was primarily to HONOR John the Baptist, and to SIGNIFY things that were soon to come ... namely, water baptism for the forgiveness of sins, in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

There was no such thing as baptism when Jesus was an infant.

His cousin, John the Baptist, was only 6 months old when Jesus was born, and John was the first and only baptizer in history, until Jesus later sent the apostles out to baptize EVERYBODY with water and the Holy Spirit.

Jesus was circumcised however, just as the Law required, when he was only 8 days old.

Circumcision remains as the most significant biblical precedent for infant baptism, today.

And no where in scripture is infant baptism prohibited.

Answer 2

First of all, water baptism is a symbol of making a complete unreserved and unconditional dedication to God. When Jesus was baptized at the age of 30, it was not to wash off his sins, but an act of dedicating his life to God, his Father. After his baptism, his ministry on earth began.

Why not as an infant? Because infant baptism was not practiced by first century christians. No where in the bible will you find that an infant was baptized in the name of the father, the son, and the holy spirit.

Notice that Jesus dedicated his life in water baptism when he was ready and fully understood the meaning of serving God.

The question is, Why are infants being baptized today when they have no knowledge of God at all or even old enough to understand the meaning of baptism?

Answer 3

Probably because that's when John the Baptist began baptizing people, and Jesus was baptized by John.

Also, Jesus' baptism appears to have been an acknowledgement of his dedication to God's service, something that implies mature choice, not something an infant would do. (Luke 3:21, 22 ; John 1:29-34) His baptism began his public ministry, leading on to his death and resurrection.

Answer 4

He was baptized as an outward symbol of an inner commitment to the ministry to God the Father.

HMMM John the baptist was an infant when Jesus was so how could he have baptized him. Before that baptism was not around.

Answer 5

At 8 days old He was circumcised and named as per Jewish tradition. Jesus was baptized at age 30 by John the Baptist (his cousin). Baptism was the way of bringing gentiles into His fold. Gentiles were not circumcised back then. Circumcision is a religious ceremony to the Jewish.

Answer 6

Baptisim started with John the Baptist. He was about the same age as Jesus.

Jesus was baptized because he came to show us the way. He didn't need to be baptized, but we do.

Answer 7

Baptism is not a thing of the Law of Moses. By going to John the Baptist, Jesus showed that there was a new Testimony (i.e. Testament) coming into play that was separate from the Law. He was baptised so that He could be the First Fruit from among men. By the way, by taking on human form, He subjected Himself to original sin in the fact that He could have sinned and didn't. He was without sin, and became sin for us so that we might live.

Answer 8

Because baptism doesn't wash away sins, only believing in and accepting Christ as your savior does. Jesus was just setting an example for others to follow. They were to repent and then be baptized. Baptism is just a picture of the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ, kind of like a wedding ring is just a picture or symbol of one's vows to their spouse.

Answer 9

Jesus was not Baptized as a baby becasue as a baby he went through the jewish custom of circumcision.

When Jesus came to John to be baptized, John asked the same question. Why should he, a sinful man, baptize the Messiah? He tried to prevent Jesus from being baptized saying “I need to be baptized by You and You are coming to me?” (Matthew 3:14). The baptisms that John performed symbolized repentance, and he saw this as inappropriate for the One he knew to be the spotless Lamb of God. Jesus replied that it should be done because “it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness” (Matthew 3:15). Christ was here identifying Himself with sinners. He will ultimately bear their sins; His perfect righteousness will be imputed to them (2 Corinthians 5:21). Therefore, this act of baptism was a necessary part of the righteousness He secured for sinners. His was a perfect righteousness in that He fulfilled all the requirements of the Law which we, for whose sin He would exchange His righteousness, are not capable of fulfilling. He is our perfect substitute.

This baptism was a very public one and was recorded for all generations to know about and understand, and it is important for several reasons. First, it pictures His death and resurrection. Second, it symbolizes the believer’s identification with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection. Third, it marks His first public identification with those whose sins He would bear. Fourth, the event was a public affirmation of His Messiahship by the testimony that came directly from heaven (Matthew 3:17).

Answer 10

it's cuss God wants us to be baptized at the age of understanding. At a infant, if someone was baptized, they could grow up and say I never asked to be baptized as they go to another religion. In other words, God wants u to understand what u r doing.