Introduction:
The Baptism of Jesus is a significant event recorded in the Synoptic Gospels—Matthew, Mark, and Luke—and briefly mentioned in the Gospel of John. This event marks the beginning of Jesus' public ministry and is a profound moment of divine revelation and affirmation of Jesus as the Son of God.

Biblical Accounts:
1. Matthew 3:13-17 :
"At that time Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. But John tried to prevent Him, saying, 'I need to be baptized by You, and do You come to me?' Jesus replied, 'Let it be so now; it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness in this way.' Then John permitted Him. As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water. Suddenly the heavens were opened, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and resting on Him. And a voice from heaven said, 'This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.'"

2. Mark 1:9-11 :
"In those days Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. As soon as Jesus came up out of the water, He saw the heavens breaking open and the Spirit descending on Him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: 'You are My beloved Son; in You I am well pleased.'"

3. Luke 3:21-22 :
"When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as He was praying, heaven was opened, and the Holy Spirit descended on Him in a bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: 'You are My beloved Son; in You I am well pleased.'"

4. John 1:29-34 :
While John's Gospel does not describe the baptism directly, it provides John the Baptist's testimony: "The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, 'Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! This is He of whom I said, "A man who comes after me has surpassed me because He was before me." I myself did not know Him, but the reason I came baptizing with water was that He might be revealed to Israel.' Then John testified, 'I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove and resting on Him. I would not have known Him, except that the One who sent me to baptize with water told me, "The man on whom you see the Spirit descend and rest is He who will baptize with the Holy Spirit." I have seen and testified that this is the Son of God.'"

Theological Significance:
The Baptism of Jesus holds deep theological significance. It is a moment of divine endorsement, where God the Father publicly affirms Jesus as His beloved Son. The descent of the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove signifies the anointing of Jesus for His messianic mission. This event also highlights the unity of the Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—working together in the redemptive plan.

Fulfillment of Righteousness:
Jesus' insistence on being baptized by John, despite John's initial reluctance, underscores the importance of fulfilling all righteousness. Jesus, though sinless, identifies with humanity's need for repentance and righteousness. His baptism symbolizes His willingness to take on the sins of the world and foreshadows His death, burial, and resurrection.

John the Baptist's Role:
John the Baptist serves as the forerunner to the Messiah, preparing the way for Jesus through his call to repentance and baptism. His recognition of Jesus as the Lamb of God and the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit emphasizes the transition from the old covenant to the new covenant inaugurated by Christ.

Symbolism of the Dove:
The Holy Spirit's descent as a dove is rich in symbolism. The dove represents peace, purity, and the presence of the Holy Spirit. This imagery connects to the Spirit's role in creation and renewal, marking the beginning of Jesus' ministry to bring spiritual renewal and salvation to humanity.

Voice from Heaven:
The voice from heaven declaring Jesus as the beloved Son is a divine proclamation of Jesus' identity and mission. It echoes Old Testament themes, such as the Messianic Psalm 2:7 and the Suffering Servant in Isaiah 42:1, affirming Jesus as the promised Messiah and the one who will fulfill God's redemptive purposes.

Conclusion:
The Baptism of Jesus is a foundational event in the Gospels, encapsulating key elements of Christian theology, including the nature of the Trinity, the mission of Jesus, and the inauguration of His public ministry. It serves as a model for Christian baptism, symbolizing repentance, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, and the believer's identification with Christ's death and resurrection.