Context
The context of the quote “But Jesus said, “It should be done, for we must carry out all that God requires.” So John agreed to baptize him.” from Matthew 3:15 is as follows:
John the Baptist was baptizing people in the Jordan River, calling them to repent of their sins. When Jesus came to be baptized by John, John initially tried to deter him, saying “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” [Matthew 3:14]
However, Jesus replied “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” [Matthew 3:15]
Jesus was explaining that it was necessary for him to be baptized, even though he was without sin, in order to fulfill God’s requirements and carry out all that God required. After Jesus said this, John agreed and baptized him.
The context shows that Jesus willingly submitted to baptism, even though he did not need it for the forgiveness of sins, in order to obey God’s will and fulfill all righteousness. His baptism was an important part of his mission and ministry.
Application Ideas
Hew are a few key applications from Matthew 3:15:
- Jesus’ baptism by John was necessary to “fulfill all righteousness”. This likely means that Jesus’ baptism identified him with his role as the sacrificial Messiah who would die for the sins of humanity. His baptism foreshadowed his coming death and resurrection.
- Jesus’ baptism serves as an example for Christians to follow, as it publicly identified him with his mission and the forgiveness of sins.
- More simply, Jesus’ baptism was the right thing to do because it was God’s will.. By being baptized, Jesus and John were doing what God required of them.
In summary, the main applications are that Jesus’ baptism was necessary to fulfill his role as the Messiah,
it set an example for Christians, and it was the right thing to do in obedience to God’s plan.
The baptism marked the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry and the dawning of the gospel age.
Keyword/Phrases
the key keywords and their meaning from Matthew 3:15 NLT are:
- “Permit it at this time” – Jesus tells John to allow him to be baptized, even though John felt unworthy to baptize Jesus.
- “for in this way it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness” – Jesus explains that his baptism is necessary to fulfill God’s righteous requirements and plan.
- “Then he permitted him” – After Jesus’ explanation, John agreed to baptize him.
The main meaning is that Jesus’ baptism, though he had no sin to repent of, was necessary to “fulfill all righteousness” by identifying with sinful humanity and foreshadowing his sacrificial death and resurrection as the Messiah.
This baptism also served as an example for Christians to follow.