The Baptism of Jesus is a key event in Mark's Gospel - Mark sees it as the first significant event in Jesus's life. It marks the end of Jesus's life as a carpenter and the start of his life as a travelling teacher. It is a turning point in Jesus's life when he becomes a public and controversial figure. It also provides confirmation that Jesus was the son of God. After his baptism, Jesus saw himself as the son of God and that he had been called to proclaim his good news.
John The Baptist
Jesus was baptised by John, a Jewish preacher, in the River Jordan. He was baptised to wash away his sins in readiness for the coming of the Messiah ie. preparation for the coming Kingdom of God. He was baptised with many other people to symbolise the start of a new life (the start of his ministry)
Baptism is a sacrament of initiation. It brings people into the Christian family and symbolises the start of a new life and the beginning of a long-term relationship with God.
Adult baptism: the adult is lowered into the water backwards…