But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus’ response, “it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness,” is not about him needing to be baptized like a sinner, but about him, as the divine Son, setting the standard for obedience. This isn't just about his righteousness, but about all of God's righteous requirements being met, beginning with this humble act.
But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented.
English Standard Version (ESV)
John the Baptist is baptizing people who are confessing their sins, but when Jesus comes to the Jordan, John initially hesitates to baptize Him, recognizing Jesus' sinless perfection. Jesus insists, explaining that this act is necessary for both of them to "fulfill all righteousness," meaning to carry out every divine requirement. John then agrees, and immediately after Jesus is baptized, the heavens open, and the Holy Spirit descends upon Him.
Why would Jesus, who had no sin, need to be baptized? What does 'all righteousness' really mean here?
Jesus's statement, 'it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness,' is key. He wasn't being baptized to wash away His own sin, as John's baptism was for repentance. Instead, Jesus was fulfilling every righteous ordinance and the will of God.
More Than Just a Ritual
Jesus says 'us' and 'now.' What does this reveal about His relationship with John and the timing of His mission?
The conversation between Jesus and John highlights a divine partnership and a divinely appointed moment.
A Sacred Partnership
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Jesus's willingness to submit to John's baptism, even when John hesitated, shows His deep respect for the divine order and His eagerness to step into the role the Father had ordained.
Understand the original words
dikaiosynē · Greek Noun
A state of being in conformity with God's law, character, and will; it is the standard of moral perfection that God requires and provides through faith in Christ.
Jesus’ baptism wasn’t just a symbolic act; it was a pivotal moment where He formally embraced His divine mission, aligning Himself with humanity’s need for righteousness and obedience to God’s will, even in seemingly ordinary ordinances.
c. 27-28 AD— this verse
Jesus' Public Ministry Begins
Jesus arrives at the Jordan River to be baptized by John the Baptist, marking the formal commencement of his public ministry and divine mission.
c. 27-28 AD
John the Baptist's Ministry
John preaches a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins in the wilderness, preparing the way for the Messiah.
c. 27-28 AD
Descent of the Holy Spirit
Immediately after Jesus' baptism, the Holy Spirit descends upon him in the form of a dove, and a voice from heaven declares him God's Son.
c. 27-28 AD
Jesus' Temptation in the Wilderness
Led by the Spirit, Jesus withdraws into the wilderness for forty days of fasting and prayer, where he is tempted by Satan.
This passage highlights Jesus as a servant who came to confirm the promises made to the fathers, mirroring how his baptism confirmed and initiated his messianic role and God's promises.
Hebrews 2:10This verse states it was fitting for God, for whom and by whom all things exist, to make Jesus, the pioneer of their salvation, perfect through suffering, which connects to Jesus' statement that it 'befitted' them to fulfill all righteousness.
Luke 7:29-30This passage describes how both the people and the Pharisees, by being baptized by John, justified God, showing that submitting to God's appointed means, like baptism, is a way to affirm God's wisdom and plan.
Matthew 5:17Jesus' statement here, 'Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them,' echoes his intent at baptism to uphold and bring to completion all that righteousness entails.
barnesMatthew 3:15: "And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him."
Thus it becometh us - It is suitable and proper. And though you may feel yourself unworthy, yet it is proper it should be done. All righteousness - There was no particular precept in the Old Testament requiring this, but he chose to give the sanction of his example to the baptism of John, as to a divine ordinance. The phrase "all righteousness," h…
pulpitMatthew 3:15: "And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him."
Verse 15. - Suffer it to be so now; suffer it now (Revised Version); "suffer me now" (Revised Version margin); ἄφες ἄρτι, only here (apparently) in the New Testament quite absolutely, but Matthew 7:4 slightly favours the Revised Version margin. Now; at this special season (ἄρτι); in contrast to the more permanent relation which shall be recognized…
Jesus’ response, “it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness,” is not about him needing to be baptized like a sinner, but about him, as the divine Son, setting the standard for obedience. This isn't just about his righteousness, but about all of God's righteous requirements being met, beginning with this humble act.
John the Baptist is baptizing people who are confessing their sins, but when Jesus comes to the Jordan, John initially hesitates to baptize Him, recognizing Jesus' sinless perfection. Jesus insists, explaining that this act is necessary for both of them to "fulfill all righteousness," meaning to carry out every divine requirement. John then agrees, and immediately after Jesus is baptized, the heavens open, and the Holy Spirit descends upon Him.
John the Baptist is baptizing people who are confessing their sins, but when Jesus comes to the Jordan, John initially hesitates to baptize Him, recognizing Jesus' sinless perfection. Jesus insists, explaining that this act is necessary for both of them to "fulfill all righteousness," meaning to carry out every divine requirement. John then agrees, and immediately after Jesus is baptized, the heavens open, and the Holy Spirit descends upon Him.
"But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented." — Jesus’ response, “it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness,” is not about him needing to be baptized like a sinner, but about him, as the divine Son, setting the standard for obedience. Th…
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Last reviewed October 2026