Matthew 3:15

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} Jesus {G2424} answering {G611} said {G2036} unto {G4314} him {G846}, Suffer {G863} it to be so now {G737}: for {G1063} thus {G3779} it becometh {G4241}{G2076} us {G2254} to fulfil {G4137} all {G3956} righteousness {G1343}. Then {G5119} he suffered {G863} him {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

However, Yeshua answered him, "Let it be this way now, because we should do everything righteousness requires." Then Yochanan let him.

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

But Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffereth him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Matthew 3:15, Jesus responds to John the Baptist's reluctance to baptize Him, asserting the divine necessity of the act. This pivotal moment marks Jesus' public inauguration into His earthly ministry, demonstrating His perfect obedience to the Father's will and His profound identification with humanity, all for the purpose of fulfilling God's comprehensive plan of righteousness. It underscores that His baptism was not for repentance of sin, but an essential step in His redemptive mission.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a critical juncture in Matthew's Gospel, immediately following John the Baptist's powerful wilderness ministry of repentance and his initial recognition of Jesus' unique status. John had been baptizing many, but when Jesus approached, John hesitated, expressing his unworthiness to baptize the one who was far greater than himself, stating, "I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?" This objection in [Matthew 3:14](/matthew/3-14 "Matthew 3:14 - John's Objection to Baptizing Jesus") sets the stage for Jesus' profound explanation in [Matthew 3:15](/matthew/3-15 "Matthew 3:15 - Jesus' Explanation for His Baptism"). The narrative then immediately proceeds to the divine affirmation of Jesus' identity as the beloved Son, with the descent of the Holy Spirit and the Father's voice, as recorded in [Matthew 3:16-17](/matthew/3-16-17 "Matthew 3:16-17 - The Baptism of Jesus and Divine Affirmation"), signifying the official commencement of Jesus' public ministry.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** John's baptism was a unique prophetic movement, distinct from Jewish ritual washings (mikvah), in that it was a one-time act of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, preparing the way for the coming Messiah. For a Jew to submit to such a baptism signified a public acknowledgment of sin and a commitment to a new way of life in anticipation of God's kingdom. The idea of the Messiah, who was expected to be perfectly righteous, submitting to a baptism of repentance would have been culturally perplexing, hence John's hesitation. This act also occurred in the Jordan River, a place rich with historical significance for Israel, recalling the crossing into the Promised Land under Joshua, and symbolizing new beginnings and divine intervention.
* **Key Themes:** The immediate context highlights several profound themes. First, **Obedience** to God's will is paramount, as Jesus, despite His sinless nature, submits to a seemingly counter-intuitive act to fulfill a divine purpose. Second, the concept of **Righteousness** is central, redefined not merely as adherence to the law, but as perfect alignment with God's redemptive plan, which Jesus embodies and fulfills. Third, Jesus' baptism signifies His **Identification** with humanity, stepping into the stream of sinful humanity to bear their burdens, even though He was without sin. This act also serves as the **Inauguration** of His public ministry, marking the transition from His private life to His public role as Messiah, a moment immediately affirmed by the Father and the Spirit, as detailed in [Matthew 3:16-17](/matthew/3-16-17 "Matthew 3:16-17 - The Baptism of Jesus and Divine Affirmation").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **for (Greek, _gár'_):** This particle, properly assigning a reason, introduces Jesus' explanation for why His baptism is necessary. It signifies that what follows is the justification for His command to John, indicating a logical and theological necessity rather than a mere suggestion. It emphasizes that the act is not arbitrary but grounded in divine purpose.
* **becometh (Greek, _prépō'_):** This word implies suitability, propriety, or fitness. Jesus is stating that it is "fitting" or "proper" for them—both He and John, representing the divine plan and its human instrument—to act in this manner. It conveys the idea that this act is in perfect harmony with God's character and His unfolding salvific design.
* **to fulfil (Greek, _plēróō'_):** This verb means to make replete, to complete, to accomplish, or to bring to full measure. In this context, it signifies the comprehensive completion of God's righteous requirements. Jesus' baptism is not just one act among many, but a necessary step in bringing God's entire plan of righteousness to its intended realization, encompassing all aspects of God's will.
* **righteousness (Greek, _dikaiosýnē'_):** This term denotes equity of character or act, and specifically in a Christian context, justification. Here, it refers to the perfect conformity to God's will and divine standard. For Jesus, it is not about personal sinlessness (He was already righteous), but about perfectly aligning with and enacting God's redemptive plan for humanity, which includes His identification with sinners and His subsequent vicarious atonement.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer [it to be so] now:"** Jesus responds directly to John's protest, using a gentle yet firm command. "Suffer it to be so now" (ἀφίημι ἄρτι, _aphíēmi árti_) means "permit it now" or "let it happen for the present." This indicates that while John's theological intuition about Jesus' sinlessness was correct, there was a higher, immediate divine purpose at play that required this specific action at this specific time. Jesus is asking John to set aside his personal feelings of unworthiness in deference to God's overarching plan.
* **"for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness."** This is the core theological statement of the verse. The conjunction "for" (γάρ, _gár_) introduces the reason for Jesus' command. "Thus" (οὕτω, _hoútō_) points to the manner of the act—through baptism. "It becometh us" (πρέπον ἐστὶν ἡμῖν, _prépon estìn hēmîn_) implies that it is fitting and proper for both Jesus and John (representing the divine and human agents in God's plan) to participate in this act. The ultimate goal is "to fulfil all righteousness" (πληρῶσαι πᾶσαν δικαιοσύνην, _plērōsai pâsan dikaiosýnēn_). This does not mean Jesus needed to become righteous, but rather that He was perfectly aligning with and completing every aspect of God's righteous will and redemptive plan for humanity, beginning with this public act of identification.
* **"Then he suffered him."** John, in an act of humble obedience and faith, yields to Jesus' instruction. This simple statement highlights John's submission to the divine will, even when it challenged his understanding. It signifies the successful execution of Jesus' command and the readiness for the next stage of God's plan to unfold.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Dialogue** is central, presenting a direct exchange between Jesus and John, which serves to clarify the theological purpose of Jesus' baptism. This is not a monologue but a response, highlighting John's initial resistance and Jesus' authoritative explanation. **Symbolism** is inherent in the act of baptism itself, which, though typically for repentance, here symbolizes Jesus' identification with humanity and His commitment to perfectly fulfill God's will. The phrase "fulfil all righteousness" functions as a **Theological Statement**, succinctly encapsulating a profound truth about Jesus' mission and character. Furthermore, the entire scene acts as **Foreshadowing**, pointing to Jesus' future redemptive work where He would perfectly obey God's will, even unto death, to secure righteousness for humanity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 3:15 is a foundational text for understanding the nature of Christ's righteousness and His mission. Jesus' declaration to "fulfil all righteousness" signifies His perfect obedience to God's will in every aspect of His life and ministry. It is not an act of personal purification, but a public affirmation of His commitment to God's redemptive plan, which includes identifying with sinful humanity and ultimately bearing their sin. This perfect, active obedience of Christ is crucial, as it provides the righteous foundation upon which humanity's salvation rests. His baptism thus serves as a programmatic statement for His entire earthly life, culminating in His atoning death, where He perfectly accomplishes God's righteous requirements on behalf of humanity.

* [Romans 5:19](/romans/5-19 "Romans 5:19 - Obedience of Christ")
* [Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")
* [Hebrews 10:7](/hebrews/10-7 "Hebrews 10:7 - Jesus Comes to Do God's Will")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 3:15 offers profound insights into Jesus' character and mission, providing a powerful model for believers. Jesus' willingness to submit to John's baptism, an act typically associated with repentance, demonstrates His profound humility and unwavering obedience to the Father's will. For us, this calls for a similar posture of submission to God's commands, even when they may seem counter-intuitive or challenge our comfort. It reminds us that true righteousness is not merely about avoiding sin, but actively aligning our lives with God's purposes and participating in His redemptive work in the world. Just as Jesus identified with humanity in His baptism, believers are called to identify with Christ through faith and baptism, publicly declaring their allegiance to Him and committing to walk in newness of life. This verse encourages us to pursue a life of active righteousness, seeking to fulfill God's will in every sphere, trusting that His ways are always perfect, even when they require humility and sacrifice.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life might God be calling you to humble obedience, even if it feels counter-intuitive or uncomfortable?**
* **How does Jesus' declaration to "fulfil all righteousness" redefine your understanding of what it means to live a righteous life?**
* **How does your own baptism (or understanding of it) connect you to Jesus' act of identification with humanity?**
* **What specific actions can you take this week to more fully align your life with God's will and purpose?**

### FAQ
**Why did Jesus, being sinless, need to be baptized?**

Answer: Jesus' baptism was not for the repentance of sin, as He was entirely without sin (as affirmed in [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Knew No Sin") and [Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus Tempted Yet Sinless")). Instead, as He states in [Matthew 3:15](/matthew/3-15 "Matthew 3:15 - Jesus' Explanation for His Baptism"), it was "to fulfil all righteousness." This means His baptism was an act of perfect obedience to the Father's will, a public identification with humanity He came to save, and the official inauguration of His public ministry. It symbolized His commitment to perfectly accomplish God's redemptive plan, which included stepping into the stream of humanity's brokenness to ultimately bear their sins.

**What does "to fulfil all righteousness" mean in this context?**

Answer: "To fulfil all righteousness" (πληρῶσαι πᾶσαν δικαιοσύνην, _plērōsai pâsan dikaiosýnēn_) signifies Jesus' complete and perfect alignment with God's will and His entire redemptive plan. It encompasses His active obedience to every aspect of God's law and purpose throughout His life, not just moral uprightness. His baptism was a foundational step in this comprehensive fulfillment, marking His identification with humanity's need for redemption and His commitment to perfectly accomplish God's righteous requirements on their behalf. It sets the stage for His future work of providing righteousness for believers through His life, death, and resurrection.

**What is the significance of John the Baptist's hesitation to baptize Jesus?**

Answer: John's hesitation, recorded in [Matthew 3:14](/matthew/3-14 "Matthew 3:14 - John's Objection to Baptizing Jesus"), highlights his recognition of Jesus' unique divine status and sinlessness. John understood his baptism as one of repentance for sinners, and he instinctively knew Jesus did not fit that category. His protest underscores the theological paradox of the sinless Son of God submitting to a baptism of repentance. Jesus' response then clarifies the deeper, redemptive purpose of His baptism, demonstrating that John's role, though seemingly reversed, was necessary for God's plan to unfold.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 3:15, with Jesus' declaration to "fulfil all righteousness," stands as a profound Christ-centered statement, illuminating the very essence of His redemptive work. This act of baptism, seemingly paradoxical for the sinless Son of God, is revealed as a crucial step in His perfect obedience to the Father's will, setting the trajectory for His entire earthly ministry. It foreshadows His ultimate mission to perfectly embody and accomplish God's righteous requirements on behalf of a fallen humanity. Jesus' active obedience, beginning with this public identification, culminates in His passive obedience on the cross, where He became sin for us, "that we might become the righteousness of God in him" ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Knew No Sin")). His baptism prefigures His death, burial, and resurrection, through which He fully satisfied the demands of divine justice and secured a perfect righteousness that is imputed to all who believe. Thus, His words in [Matthew 3:15](/matthew/3-15 "Matthew 3:15 - Jesus' Explanation for His Baptism") serve as a programmatic declaration of His vicarious life and atoning death, offering the only path to true righteousness and reconciliation with God, as beautifully articulated in [Romans 5:18-19](/romans/5-18-19 "Romans 5:18-19 - Righteousness Through Christ's Obedience").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

John 4:34

Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.

John 15:10

If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.

John 13:15

For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.

Isaiah 42:21

The LORD is well pleased for his righteousness' sake; he will magnify the law, and make [it] honourable.

Psalms 40:7

Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book [it is] written of me,

Psalms 40:8

I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law [is] within my heart.

1 Peter 2:21

For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: