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Objection 1: It would seem that Christ should not have been
baptized in the Jordan. For the reality should correspond to the
figure. But baptism was prefigured in the crossing of the Red Sea,
where the Egyptians were drowned, just as our sins are blotted out in
baptism. Therefore it seems that Christ should rather have been
baptized in the sea than in the river Jordan.
Objection 2: Further, "Jordan" is interpreted a "going down."
But by baptism a man goes up rather than down: wherefore it is written
(Mt. 3:16) that "Jesus being baptized, forthwith came up from
the water." Therefore it seems unfitting that Christ should be
baptized in the Jordan.
Objection 3: Further, while the children of Israel were crossing,
the waters of the Jordan "were turned back," as it is related Jos.
4, and as it is written Ps. 113:3,5. But those who are
baptized go forward, not back. Therefore it was not fitting that
Christ should be baptized in the Jordan.
On the contrary, It is written (Mk. 1:9) that "Jesus was
baptized by John in the Jordan."
I answer that, It was through the river Jordan that the children of
Israel entered into the land of promise. Now, this is the
prerogative of Christ's baptism over all other baptisms: that it is
the entrance to the kingdom of God, which is signified by the land of
promise; wherefore it is said (Jn. 3:5): "Unless a man be
born again of water and the Holy Ghost, he cannot enter into the
kingdom of God." To this also is to be referred the dividing of the
water of the Jordan by Elias, who was to be snatched up into heaven
in a fiery chariot, as it is related 4 Kgs. 2: because, to wit,
the approach to heaven is laid open by the fire of the Holy Ghost, to
those who pass through the waters of baptism. Therefore it was fitting
that Christ should be baptized in the Jordan.
Reply to Objection 1: The crossing of the Red Sea foreshadowed
baptism in this---that baptism washes away sin: whereas the crossing
of the Jordan foreshadows it in this---that it opens the gate to the
heavenly kingdom: and this is the principal effect of baptism, and
accomplished through Christ alone. And therefore it was fitting that
Christ should be baptized in the Jordan rather than in the sea.
Reply to Objection 2: In baptism we "go up" by advancing in
grace: for which we need to "go down" by humility, according to
James 4:6: "He giveth grace to the humble." And to this
"going down" must the name of the Jordan be referred.
Reply to Objection 3: As Augustine says in a sermon for the
Epiphany (x): "As of yore the waters of the Jordan were held
back, so now, when Christ was baptized, the torrent of sin was held
back." Or else this may signify that against the downward flow of the
waters the river of blessings flowed upwards.
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