Little is said in the Gospel accounts of what went through his mind prior to his going “to the Jordan to John [the Baptist], in order to be baptized by him.” (Matt. 3:13)

He knew that his baptism was only a beginning. A beginning of just his ministry and future reward on proving faithful? No. There was something that went along with those things, but now going much deeper. That deeper and more important and precious thing was his relationship with his heavenly Father, now taking on an added meaning, a spiritual one. This is indicated at Psalm 40:6-10, which Jesus doubtless came to realize was speaking prophetically of himself, telling of the sacrifice of his perfect human body in preference to all the animal sacrifices offered under the Law given through Moses. That this is the correct understanding is confirmed by Paul’s quotation of this passage at Hebrews 10:5-9. However, despite the suffering and death involved in this sacrifice, what was Jesus’ attitude, also the basis for that attitude? Notice the answer as given at Psalm 40:8: “To do your will, O my God, I have delighted, and your law is within my inward parts.”

7. (a) What relationship did Jesus always maintain with his Father, and what prompted this? (b) Following his baptism, how did Jesus maintain and strengthen this relationship? (Heb. 5:7-9)

⁷ How eloquently this tells, not only of Jesus’ mental attitude, but also of his deep appreciation and heartfelt motivation prompting him to maintain a relationship of constant submission and devotion to his heavenly Father! He, Jesus, would always delight to do his Father’s will, especially when he knew that it was the due time for him to start out on this sacrificial course. His baptism was only the first step.