Matthew 3:15
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)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
Jesus' simple phrase, "thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness," reveals more than just obedience. It signals a profound, unspoken agreement between Jesus and John, acknowledging their distinct but equally vital roles in God's unfolding plan. Jesus is not just submitting to an ordinance; he's embracing his mission by stepping into God's ordained path.
John the Baptist is baptizing people in the Jordan River as a call to repentance, but he hesitates when Jesus approaches, feeling unworthy to baptize the Messiah. Jesus insists, explaining that this act is necessary for them both to fulfill all righteousness, essentially completing every divine requirement God has set forth. This moment marks the beginning of Jesus' public ministry, showing His submission to God's will and preparing Him for the path ahead.
Why did Jesus, who was sinless, need to be baptized? It wasn't a requirement for Him in the same way it is for us, but something deeper.
Jesus's response to John, 'Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness,' highlights a crucial distinction. While baptism is a command for believers to identify with Christ's death and resurrection and to symbolize cleansing from sin, Jesus's own baptism served a different purpose.
A Matter of Fittingness
Commentators note that 'fitting' (Greek: prepon) here doesn't imply absolute necessity or duty in the way 'must' or 'ought' might. Instead, it speaks to moral fitness and propriety. For Jesus, this act was about aligning Himself with God's plan and His own Messianic mission.
Setting an Example
By submitting to this ordinance, Jesus gave His unique approval and example to John's ministry and the act of baptism itself. He was not fulfilling a requirement for His own sin, but demonstrating a perfect obedience that would set the standard for all His followers. It was the appropriate next step in His public ministry, initiating His work with a clear endorsement from heaven.
Jesus's baptism wasn't just a cleansing ritual; it was the official launch of His public ministry, marked by divine confirmation.
Jesus's baptism by John the Baptist was a pivotal moment, marking the transition from His private life to His public ministry.
A Public Declaration
While Jesus had no sin to confess or be washed away, His baptism served as a symbolic act of consecration. It was the appropriate way for Him to step into His role as Messiah, publicly identifying with humanity and God's plan for salvation.
Divine Endorsement
Immediately following His baptism, the heavens opened, the Spirit descended like a dove, and a voice from heaven declared Him God's Son. This divine affirmation was crucial. It confirmed John's ministry and, more importantly, launched Jesus's own with heavenly authority. It was the Father's public declaration of approval and empowerment for the immense task ahead.
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 isn't about him needing repentance; it's a pivotal moment where he fulfills every aspect of righteousness, publicly identifies with humanity, and is divinely commissioned for his ministry.
c. 27 AD
John the Baptist's Ministry Begins
John the Baptist, seen as a prophetic figure, begins preaching a message of repentance and baptizing people in the Jordan River. His ministry signals a new spiritual season and prepares the way for the Messiah.
c. 27 AD— this verse
Jesus Arrives at the Jordan
Jesus, about thirty years old and having lived a private life in Nazareth, travels to the Jordan River to be baptized by John. He waits until the crowds have been baptized, distinguishing himself from sinners.
c. 27 AD
Jesus' Baptism and Divine Affirmation
After Jesus is baptized, the Holy Spirit descends like a dove, and a voice from heaven declares Jesus as God's Son. This public affirmation marks the official beginning of Jesus' public ministry.
c. 27 AD
Jesus' Temptation in the Wilderness
Immediately following his baptism and divine affirmation, Jesus is led by the Spirit into the wilderness, where he fasts for forty days and is tempted by the devil.
This verse describes how 'all the people heard him,' meaning the tax collectors and sinners, 'and the Pharisees and the lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, by not being baptized by him.' Jesus’ baptism here is presented as part of God’s plan that even the religious elite were meant to embrace.
John 13:8Jesus tells Peter, 'If I do not wash you, you have no part with me.' This echoes the idea of Jesus submitting to a rite, showing that obedience and participation in divine actions are crucial for relationship and fulfillment.
Hebrews 2:10This passage states that it was 'fitting' for God, for whom and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to perfect the author of their salvation through suffering. Jesus’ baptism is an early example of this 'fittingness' in His journey toward fulfilling His salvific mission.
Matthew 5:17Jesus declares, '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.' His baptism here is the very first public act demonstrating this intention to fulfill all of God's righteous requirements.
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' simple phrase, "thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness," reveals more than just obedience. It signals a profound, unspoken agreement between Jesus and John, acknowledging their distinct but equally vital roles in God's unfolding plan. Jesus is not just submitting to an ordinance; he's embracing his mission by stepping into God's ordained path.
John the Baptist is baptizing people in the Jordan River as a call to repentance, but he hesitates when Jesus approaches, feeling unworthy to baptize the Messiah. Jesus insists, explaining that this act is necessary for them both to fulfill all righteousness, essentially completing every divine requirement God has set forth. This moment marks the beginning of Jesus' public ministry, showing His submission to God's will and preparing Him for the path ahead.
John the Baptist is baptizing people in the Jordan River as a call to repentance, but he hesitates when Jesus approaches, feeling unworthy to baptize the Messiah. Jesus insists, explaining that this act is necessary for them both to fulfill all righteousness, essentially completing every divine requirement God has set forth. This moment marks the beginning of Jesus' public ministry, showing His submission to God's will and preparing Him for the path ahead.
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Matthew 3:15 is available in the Sola app.
"But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented." — Jesus' simple phrase, "thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness," reveals more than just obedience. It signals a profound, unspoken agreement between Jesus and John, acknowledging their…
