Mark 1:9-11, “In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And when he came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”
I recently had opportunity to witness a couple of baptism services. In one of those services two men in their 80s were baptized…the people in attendance were especially joyful realizing that it somewhat uncommon/unexpected to see people of that age being baptized.
The baptism of Jesus was kind of unexpected and surprising when we consider the context. We are told in Mark 1:4 that John was baptizing with a “baptism of repentance.” Matthew 3:6 speaks to how the people were “confessing their sins.” But Jesus never sinned and therefore had nothing to repent of (Cf. 2 Corinthians 5:21). So why was He baptized?
The gospel of Matthew speaks to John’s own questions regarding the matter. Matthew 3:13-14, “Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him. John would have prevented him, saying, ‘I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?’ But Jesus answered him, ‘Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness’.” Though it seemingly represented a reversal in roles, it was fitting in the circumstance in the doing of what was right before God.
Baptism has to do with identification. John’s baptizing was consistent to his God-given purpose to serve as the forerunner of the Christ. The people being baptized thus identified themselves with the repentant community that was thereby being prepared. A believer’s baptism is symbolic of the believer’s identification with Christ and specifically with Him in His death and resurrection (Cf. Romans 6:3-4). The key thought underlying baptism is identification.
All that being said, Jesus’ baptism was a part of His identifying Himself with us. He knew no sin and never sinned. He had no need to repent of anything. But He came into the world to save sinners. According to Hebrews 2:17 it was necessary for Jesus “to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people.”
Let’s endeavor to fully appreciate the humility expressed in this event! Thousands were baptized by John. Every one of them a sinner. They had hearts that were burdened by guilt. They cried out to God for forgiveness, confessing their sins. Time after time, from one person to the next, the story is the same. The community is weighed down by guilt and sin and neediness. Now here comes Jesus, He’s the only one in the crowd who had committed no sin. He has no need to repent. But He has come, as John would say of Him, to be “the lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). He who identified Himself with sinners in baptism would one day be completely identified with sinners and their sin at the cross (Cf. 2 Corinthians 5:21).
We needn’t wonder as to God’s view on the matter, for we are instructed in what happened following Jesus’ baptism. He saw the heavens opened and the Spirit descended upon him and he heard the voice from heaven of the Father’s approval, saying, “You are my beloved son; with you I am well pleased” (Mark 1:11). All three of the trinity are there—the Spirit falling upon Jesus, and the Father voicing His hearty approval.
Author: looking2jesus13
Jerry L. Conklin was born and raised in Hillsboro, Oregon. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served for six years in the Navy’s Nuclear Power Program. He was assigned to the USS *Omaha* (SSN-692), a nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine, where he served as a reactor-plant electrical operator. His military service took him to ports and locations throughout the world and provided extensive technical training, leadership experience, and an enduring appreciation for those who serve in the Armed Forces.
Following his Navy service, Jerry earned a bachelor’s degree in Nuclear Technology from Thomas Edison State University. He worked at the Trojan Nuclear Plant near Rainier, Oregon, first as a reactor operator and later as a training specialist. After sensing God’s call to pastoral ministry, he left the nuclear-power industry and earned a master’s degree in theology from Western Conservative Baptist Seminary in Portland, Oregon.
Jerry served for twenty-seven and a half years as senior pastor of Lewis and Clark Bible Church in Astoria, Oregon. During those years, he preached and taught the Scriptures, provided pastoral counseling, performed weddings and memorial services, trained church leaders, and served individuals and families throughout the community. He also served as a fire department chaplain and participated in a variety of community ministries.
After retiring from full-time pastoral ministry, Jerry and his wife, Laura, moved to Heppner, Oregon. There he served for approximately four years as a chaplain with Pioneer Memorial Home Health and Hospice, providing spiritual and emotional support to more than 150 patients and their families. In 2023, the Oregon Association for Home Care honored him as its Chaplain of the Year.
Jerry also helped establish South Morrow County Seniors Matter, a nonprofit organization created to address the needs of older adults following the COVID-19 pandemic. As chairman, he worked with community leaders and volunteers to develop a weekly senior meal program, a monthly veterans’ lunch, and other activities and services. The organization served hundreds of seniors, mobilized more than 200 volunteers, and received statewide and national recognition. In 2025, Jerry was named Heppner’s Man of the Year, and his community service was later recognized by United States Senator Jeff Merkley.
International missions have also been an important part of Jerry’s ministry. He has made ten trips to Uganda, where he has taught at pastors’ conferences, preached in churches, participated in Bible-school graduations, distributed Bibles and Christian materials, and encouraged local pastors and ministry leaders. He developed the discipleship booklet *First Steps with Jesus* to help new believers understand and grow in their faith.
Jerry is the author of numerous books, Bible studies, devotionals, and teaching resources, including works centered on prayer, Christian hope, spiritual growth, and the person of Jesus Christ. His decades of preaching and teaching reflect his commitment to presenting biblical truth clearly, practically, and faithfully.
Jerry and Laura were married for nearly forty-two years and raised four children. They were also blessed with three grandchildren. Laura passed away in August 2025 following an eight-and-a-half-year battle with cancer. Jerry currently lives in Hillsboro, where he helps care for his elderly father. He continues to preach, teach, write, and serve others through pastoral and community ministry.
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