Mark is still dealing with preparatory events that must take place in setting forth the beginning of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. John the Baptist is preparing the way for Christ’s coming and hundreds of people are thronging around him to hear him preach and to be baptized. John’s baptism signified repentance of sin, which involved a change of direction concerning sin. Baptism was the public evidence or declaration of that change. Prior to a person trusting Christ as Lord and Savior of his life, he must recognize himself to be a sinner in need of a Savior.

Jesus was perfectly righteous and did not need to be baptized. So why did He ask John to baptize Him? There are a number of possible answers, but beyond identifying with us whose sins He would take upon Himself, He acknowledged John’s ministry and inaugurated His own ministry.