Suffering Baptism: Matthew 3:15

Matthew 3:15 records the words of Jesus, “Suffer it to be so now: for this it becometh us to
fulfill all righteousness.” In this brief passage, Jesus tells John to baptize him so prophecy can
be completed. Christ’s baptism had long-lasting results for John, for Christ, himself, and for
mankind.

First, Christ’s baptism was needed by John to verify that the prophet was sent from God.
Isaiah had prophesied almost 750 years earlier (Isaiah 40:3) and this prophecy was revisited in
the first century, John 1:6. As a result, John’s preaching and baptism would forever be seen as
divinely inspired; after all, John was filled of the Holy Spirt Luke 1:15. Additionally, John’s
ministry was to prepare the world for Jesus’ baptism Matt 3:1-3, and to announce Christ as the
Messiah John 1:29.

Secondly, Christ’s baptism was needed to show His superiority over earthly high priests and
to show His purpose: to seek and save the lost, Luke 19:10. From age 12, Christ’s purpose was
to obey The Father Luke 2:49. His obedience would accumulate to fulfill all righteousness.
With God’s identification, both visually and verbally, Christ’s baptism launched his public
ministry; hence, Christ’s service to God began at baptism; it is the same for the penitent believer
today.

Finally, Christ’s baptism was needed by mankind so that people could have the opportunity
to be reconciled to God. As a result of Christ’s example, man is commanded to be baptized, Acts
2:38. Baptism is a requirement as part of receiving the gift of salvation. The time for one to be
baptized is now, v. 15, and the reason for one to be baptized is for the remission of sin.

In the Old Testament, the ceremonial cleansing of Jews cleaned the outside of man, whereas
New Testament baptism requires a cleansing of the inner man. Have you had your sins washed
clean in the blood of Jesus Christ? It is only at baptism that this act happens; don’t delay any
longer.