Matthew 3:15-17
But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented. And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Jesus uses the phrase "all righteousness" not just to mean fulfilling every religious duty, but specifically to signify embracing every aspect of God's plan as it unfolds, even when it seems unusual or doesn't fit human logic. He's showing that true righteousness involves a complete, active submission to God’s unfolding will, not just passive obedience.
John the Baptist is baptizing people in the Jordan River as a sign of repentance, but when Jesus arrives to be baptized, John hesitates, feeling unworthy to baptize Him. Jesus insists, explaining that it's necessary for them both to fulfill all righteousness, meaning to submit to every divine appointment and perfectly obey God's will. This act marks the public inauguration of Jesus' ministry and God's public affirmation of Him as the Messiah.
Jesus tells John the Baptist that His baptism isn't just about following a rule. It's about 'fulfilling all righteousness.' What does that mean for us today?
When Jesus says it's 'fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness,' He’s not just talking about completing a checklist of religious duties. The original Greek word for 'righteousness' here points to a broader concept of living in right alignment with God's will and purposes.
What 'Righteousness' Encompasses:
Why did Jesus, who had no sin, need to be baptized? The answer lies in His unique identity and mission, and how He relates to John and to us.
Jesus’ interaction with John the Baptist reveals His profound understanding of His own identity and His relationship to humanity and God's plan.
Jesus as the Archetype:
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.
baptizō · Greek Verb
An act of ritual immersion in water, symbolizing purification, repentance, or identification with a specific teaching or figure. In the New Testament, it signifies union with Christ in his death and resurrection, and public profession of faith.
ouranos · Greek Noun
The expanse or firmament above the earth, often used in Scripture as the dwelling place of God, representing His authority, glory, and sovereign rule over creation.
pneuma Theou · Greek Noun
c. 26-30 AD
John the Baptist's Ministry Begins
John the Baptist begins his public ministry in the wilderness of Judea, preaching a baptism of repentance and preparing the way for the Messiah. His message draws crowds from all over the region.
c. 26-30 AD— this verse
Jesus Approaches John for Baptism
Jesus, having completed his private life and ministry preparation, travels from Galilee to the Jordan River to be baptized by John. This marks the public inauguration of Jesus' ministry.
c. 26-30 AD
Jesus is Baptized
Jesus is baptized by John the Baptist in the Jordan River. Though John initially hesitates, Jesus insists it is necessary to 'fulfill all righteousness.'
c. 26-30 AD
The Holy Spirit Descends and God Speaks
Immediately following Jesus' baptism, the Holy Spirit descends like a dove, and a voice from heaven declares Jesus to be God's beloved Son. This public affirmation marks Jesus' divine endorsement.
c. 26-30 AD
This passage highlights that Jesus, the Messiah, came to confirm the promises made to the fathers by living a righteous life, paralleling his baptism as a fulfillment of established righteousness. It underscores Jesus' commitment to upholding God's established ways.
Hebrews 2:10This verse speaks of bringing 'many sons to glory' by making the 'founder of their salvation perfect through suffering,' which connects to Jesus' baptism as a necessary step in His perfect obedience and consecration to His mission. It emphasizes the fittingness of His submission to ordained means to achieve God's purpose.
1 John 2:6This verse states that whoever claims to abide in Christ ought to walk in the same way in which he walked. Jesus' baptism, by fulfilling all righteousness, sets the ultimate example for believers to follow in obedience to God's commands.
Luke 7:29-30This passage describes how the people and the Pharisees, by not being baptized by John, rejected God's purpose for themselves. Jesus' act of baptism, in contrast, demonstrates His embrace and fulfillment of God's plan through John's ministry.
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 uses the phrase "all righteousness" not just to mean fulfilling every religious duty, but specifically to signify embracing every aspect of God's plan as it unfolds, even when it seems unusual or doesn't fit human logic. He's showing that true righteousness involves a complete, active submission to God’s unfolding will, not just passive obedience.
John the Baptist is baptizing people in the Jordan River as a sign of repentance, but when Jesus arrives to be baptized, John hesitates, feeling unworthy to baptize Him. Jesus insists, explaining that it's necessary for them both to fulfill all righteousness, meaning to submit to every divine appointment and perfectly obey God's will. This act marks the public inauguration of Jesus' ministry and God's public affirmation of Him as the Messiah.
John the Baptist is baptizing people in the Jordan River as a sign of repentance, but when Jesus arrives to be baptized, John hesitates, feeling unworthy to baptize Him. Jesus insists, explaining that it's necessary for them both to fulfill all righteousness, meaning to submit to every divine appointment and perfectly obey God's will. This act marks the public inauguration of Jesus' ministry and God's public affirmation of Him as the Messiah.
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The third person of the Trinity, the active agent of God’s power, presence, and revelation in the world, who indwells believers and empowers them for ministry and holiness.
peristera · Greek Noun
A bird frequently associated in biblical typology with peace, purity, and the presence of the Holy Spirit. Here, it signifies the gentle, empowering, and distinctive descent of God's presence upon the Messiah.
phōnē · Greek Noun
A term denoting divine communication, often used in the context of prophetic revelation or a direct manifestation of God's authority and will to humanity.
huios · Greek Noun
A title denoting a unique, eternal relationship with God the Father, emphasizing the Messiah’s divine nature, authority, and role as the representative of the Father to humanity.
eudokeō · Greek Verb
A state of divine approval and delight; it refers to God's complete satisfaction in the character, identity, and redemptive mission of another, particularly the Messiah.
Jesus Retires to the Wilderness
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 period prepares him for his public ministry.
"But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented. And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and…" — Jesus uses the phrase "all righteousness" not just to mean fulfilling every religious duty, but specifically to signify embracing every aspect of God's plan as it unfolds, even when it seems unus…
