What does Luke 3:21 mean?

Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened, Luke 3:21

Explanation

Luke 3:21 recounts the significant event of Jesus Christ’s baptism by John the Baptist as outlined in the Gospel according to Luke. This verse is crucial because it describes a pivotal moment in Jesus’ ministry and the divine affirmation of His identity as the Son of God. The passage highlights two significant occurrences: Jesus’ baptism and the subsequent opening of the heavens, which marks the commencement of his public ministry. The act of baptism here is portrayed not just as a ritualistic cleansing, but as a moment of divine revelation and a confirmation of Jesus’ messianic role. Jesus’ prayer during baptism is a unique detail found in Luke’s account, emphasizing the importance of prayer and the relationship between Jesus and God the Father.

Historical Context

The practice of baptism in the time of Jesus was a rite of purification and represented a change of heart and repentance. John the Baptist was known for baptizing Jewish individuals in the River Jordan as a sign of their decision to turn away from sin and towards God. Jesus’ baptism occurred during the period of John’s active ministry. Although Jesus, being sinless, did not need baptism for repentance, his participation in baptism signified solidarity with humanity and indicated the beginning of his mission. This historical context would have been understood by the readers of Luke’s gospel, who were primarily Gentile Christians familiar with Jewish customs.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, Luke 3:21 is rich with insights:

• Divine Sonship: The opening of the heavens and the voice that follows affirm Jesus’ identity as God’s Son. This moment is seen as a divine endorsement of Jesus’ mission.

• Trinitarian Formula: This event holds Trinitarian significance as it presents the interaction between God the Father (voice from heaven), God the Son (Jesus being baptized), and God the Holy Spirit (descending in a bodily shape like a dove).

• Jesus’ Submission to God’s Will: Jesus’ willingness to be baptized, though he was sinless, demonstrates his humility and submission to God’s redemptive plan.

• The Role of Prayer: Including Jesus praying sets a model for believers regarding the importance of prayer, particularly in significant life moments.

Practical Applications

The verse can be applied to daily life in many ways:

• Emulating Jesus: Christians are encouraged to follow Jesus’ example of humility and obedience to God’s will.

• Baptism as a Public Declaration of Faith: For Christians, baptism has become a public symbol of their faith, mirroring Jesus’ baptism and his commitment to his ministry.

• Significance of Prayer: The depiction of Jesus praying during pivotal moments of his life serves as a model for believers on the importance of maintaining a prayerful attitude, especially during times of decision or transition.

Cross-References

• Matthew 3:16-17: “And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”

• Mark 1:10-11: “And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him: And there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”

• John 1:32-34: “And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him. And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost. And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God.”

Language Study

• Baptized: The Greek word ‘baptizo’ indicates immersion, submersion, and purification. Its use here implies a full identification with the penitent people Jesus came to save.

• Praying: The original Greek ‘proseuchomai’ signifies the act of prayer to God. It often implies a deeper communication with God.

• Heaven was opened: The verb used for ‘opened’ in Greek is ‘anoigo’, which can mean literally “to open” but also figuratively to open one’s understanding or provide revelation.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In other ancient religions and cultures, the concept of water for purification is common. For instance, in ancient Greek mythology, water is often used for both literal and figurative cleansing. Additionally, in Hinduism, the Ganges River is considered holy and bathing in it is believed to cleanse sins. The significance of Jesus’ baptism goes beyond these practices by signifying a breakthrough moment of divine revelation in a Jewish context, rather than just a purification rite.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientific perspectives on this verse would approach it from the human experience lens rather than a factual analysis. The opening of the heavens, for example, could be viewed symbolically, representing a perceived divine interaction with the human realm. In terms of neuroscience, the intense spiritual experience such as those described in this verse could be correlated with profound psychological states or impacts on brain activity.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and theologians have commented on this verse:

• John Calvin: Emphasizes the submission of Jesus to his Father’s will in accepting baptism and points to the spiritual meaning of the opened heavens as God making a way for His grace to descend upon Jesus.

• Matthew Henry: Communicates the significance of the Trinity in this account and the endearment of Jesus to God identified through the baptism event.

• William Barclay: Notes the uniqueness of Luke’s Gospel in bringing out the detail of Jesus praying and suggests the importance of prayer in the life of Jesus, thus providing an example for all Christians to emulate.

These commentaries reflect the broader Christian understanding that sees Jesus’ baptism as a model for spiritual dedication and an affirmation of his messianic role.