Why was Jesus Baptized? John the Baptist asked Jesus this same question with different words.

John the Baptist: “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” (Matt. 3:14).

Jesus: “Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness” (Matt. 3:15).

What does Jesus’ answer mean?

In his commentary on Matthew, New Testament scholar, D.A. Carson, explains what he thinks Jesus means. Below is my brief synopsis of Carson’s longer discussion:

In the Gospel of Matthew, the phrase, “righteousness” means conformity to God’s will. Jesus’ answer to John the Baptist “affirms that it is God’s will” that John baptize him and furthermore implies that Jesus’ baptism is about Jesus and his complete obedience. Through his participation in baptism, Jesus (in the role of the Suffering Servant of Isaiah 42 who first and foremost obeys God – fulfilling all righteousness”) affirms his determination to accomplish our redemption in obedience to God’s will.

Furthermore, Jesus is saying “he must ‘now,’ at this point in salvation history,” be baptized by John in order to “demonstrate his willingness to take on his servant role,” identify with humanity, and obey “every word that comes from the mouth of God.” Through participation in his baptism, Jesus demonstrates that he is fully committed to do the redeeming work God has given him to do.

Praying that these comments add depth to your understanding as you ponder Jesus’ baptism and all that it means.

Endnotes:

Carson, D.A.,The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: Matthew (Ch. 1-12) (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1995), pp. 107-108.