The event of Christ’s baptism is described in all four Gospels (Mt. 3:13–17; Mk. 1:9–11; Lk. 3:21–22; Jn. 1:29–34). John the Baptist preached in the wilderness, calling for repentance and announcing the coming of the Kingdom of Heaven. His message referenced the prophecy of Isaiah: “A voice of one calling: ‘In the wilderness prepare the way for the Lord; make straight paths for Him.'” (Is. 40:3).

Baptism took place in the Jordan River near Bethany, with people from Judea and Jerusalem coming to confess their sins. Addressing suspicions that he might be the Messiah, John clarified that the One coming after him would baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire.

According to the Gospels, Jesus approached John to be baptized. Surprised, John hesitated but proceeded after Jesus stated: “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness” (Mt. 3:15). As Jesus emerged from the water, the heavens opened, the Holy Spirit descended as a dove, and a voice proclaimed: “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Mt. 3:17).

Iconography

The depiction of Christ’s baptism first appears in 3rd-century catacomb art, initially showing Christ as a beardless youth, nude. From the 15th century onward, He is portrayed with a loincloth. His hands are either freely placed, crossed (from the 18th century), or raised in blessing. Often, Christ is shown standing in water or on a rock, trampling serpents as a symbol of victory over evil.

Early depictions frequently personify the Jordan River as an elderly man and the sea as a fleeing woman or youth. N. Pokrovsky associates these elements with Psalm 113:3: “The sea saw it and fled; the Jordan turned back.”

John the Baptist is depicted on the riverbank, wearing a blue hairshirt and either a green or ochre mantle, symbolizing the environment or the desert. His left hand holds a scroll, while his right hand baptizes Christ. Often, an axe and stump near John illustrate his warning about the coming judgment (Mt. 3:10).

From the 6th–7th centuries, angels appear in the composition, standing on the opposite shore and holding Christ’s garments. Their number varies between one and three. Above Christ, a segment of the heavens is depicted with a ray of light, the Holy Spirit as a dove, and sometimes the Hand of God or God the Father Himself, representing the Trinity. The background may include mountains, forests, or cities, alongside scenes from John’s life.