the ministry of john the baptist

• Mark's Gospel shows Jesus as a very different kind of Messiah from Jewish expectations
• John the Baptist's role was to prepare people for the coming of the Messiah
• John the Baptist baptized many people in the Jordan River as a sign of repentance and turning away from sin
• Mark describes John the Baptist as a prophet, dressed like the prophet Elijah, who was expected to come before the Messiah
• At Jesus' baptism, the heavens opened, the Spirit came down like a dove, and a voice from heaven declared Jesus as God's Son
• These events at Jesus' baptism symbolized the presence of God and the approval of Jesus as the Son of God
• Jesus was baptized by John as an example for Christians to follow, and to show his humility and desire to be fully human
• Baptism of Jesus


  • The heavens opened, symbolising the presence of God
  • The dove represents the Holy Spirit
  • The voice from heaven symbolises God was present at Jesus' Baptism. The message shows God approved of Jesus as his son
• Dove


  • In Genesis, a dove brought an olive branch to Noah to show him the flood was over
  • In the Old Testament, the voice of the Spirit was likened to a dove
• Dove


  Symbol of peace and gentleness-Jesus experienced the gentle peace of God at his Baptism
• The Baptism was the beginning of the Trinity
• Baptism


  The sprinkling or pouring of water, or by full immersion
• Jesus was born without sin. However, he chose to be baptised by John as an example for Christians to follow. It also shows he approved of what John was doing. It shows the humility of Jesus and that he wanted to share in being fully human
• The presence of God at Jesus' baptism shows that God has chosen him, and God is pleased with him. The fact that he received the Spirit was a sign that he was set apart for a mission. The Baptism provided Jesus with confirmation he was the Son of God
• Infant Baptism


  • It is traditional practice in the Christian Church to baptise infants
  • Water is used as a symbol of washing away Original Sin
  • Baptism unites the child with God and the Christian community
  • Parents and Godparents make baptismal promises on behalf of the child. These are renewed at Confirmation
• Adult/Believer's Baptism


  • Mostly practised by the Baptist Church
  • Baptism is by total immersion
  • Those who want to be baptised must ask for it and be sorry for their sins. This is called REPENTANCE and FAITH
  • There is also a period of preparation before baptism
• Baptising babies is pointless; people should choose for themselves to be baptised when they are adults
• Original Sin


  The transfer of Adam and Eve's disobedience of God to all of humanity. A state of separation from God