New Testament · Gospel

Matthew 3:15

A Voice in the Wilderness

“Let it be so now,” Jesus replied. “It is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness in this way.” Then John permitted Him. Matthew 3:15 · Berean Standard Bible

What It Means

Matthew 3:15, in plain English

Jesus gently told John: 'Let it happen. This is how we fulfill what's right.' He didn't need baptism, but He chose it to walk alongside us in every way.

Why it's here

Jesus's humility here is staggering. The Son of God submitted to a human ritual He didn't need because it was part of His Father's plan.

Who's speaking

Jesus speaks His first words in Matthew's Gospel.

Where it sits in the story

From the very beginning, Jesus chooses the path of humble obedience. He identifies with us completely, even in ways that seem unnecessary.

A Closer Look

The scholarly reading

Jesus's response ('to fulfill all righteousness,' plerosai pasan dikaiosynen) indicates His baptism is an act of obedient identification with God's redemptive plan. Dikaiosyne here encompasses God's entire saving purpose, not merely moral rightness.

Language and setting

By submitting to baptism, Jesus inaugurates His role as the representative of humanity. He takes on the sinner's position to eventually take on the sinner's penalty.

Voice

Jesus, speaking to John the Baptist.

Significance

Jesus's first recorded words in Matthew concern fulfilling God's righteous purpose, setting the theme for His entire ministry.

In context

Matthew 3:13–17

13At that time Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John.

14But John tried to prevent Him, saying, “I need to be baptized by You, and do You come to me?”

15“Let it be so now,” Jesus replied. “It is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness in this way.” Then John permitted Him.

16As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water. Suddenly the heavens were opened, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and resting on Him.

17And a voice from heaven said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased!”

Read all of Matthew 3 — John the Baptist thunders from the desert, calling an entire nation to repentance. Then the heavens themselves split open.

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