Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Luke 3:21

"Now it came to pass, when all the people were baptized, that, Jesus also having been baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened," — Luke 3:21 (ASV)

As in the birth narratives, there is at Jesus’ baptism a supernatural attestation. Many see in this event his “call” to his mission. His baptism comes as the climax of the baptism of “all the people.” Jesus was baptized, not because he was a sinner in need of repentance, but as a way of identifying himself with those he came to save (see comment on Mk 1:9). This is the first of several important events in Luke that took place when Jesus prayed (cf. esp. 6:12; 9:18, 29; 22:41). Luke’s description of the opening of the heavens makes clear that Jesus had a true vision of the Deity (cf. Ezekiel 1:1; Acts 7:56; Acts 10:11).