WAEC Christian Religious Studies (CRS) 2015 Theory — Question 10

Model answer

When Jesus heard of the work of John the Baptist, he came down from Galilee to be baptized in the river Jordan. John was preaching baptism for the forgiveness of sins. When John saw Jesus, he recognized Him as the expected Messiah, someone superior to him. John said, 'It is I who need to be baptized by you, and are you coming to me?' John therefore became hesitant in baptizing Jesus. Jesus persuaded John to baptize Him so as to fulfil all righteousness. Based on this conviction, John agreed to baptize Jesus through immersion. As Jesus came out of the water, the heavens opened and the spirit of the Lord descended and alighted on Him like a dove. Immediately, a voice came from heaven saying, 'This is my beloved son, with whom I am well pleased.' The baptism prepared Jesus for His earthly ministry as it marked His call into public office. The descent of the spirit on Jesus was a symbol of Him being anointed as son of God and being confirmed as the Messiah.