What Old Testament prophecies connect to Jesus' baptism in Matthew 3:15? Setting the Scene Matthew 3:15: “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Key Prophetic Threads Woven into the Baptism • Isaiah 42:1-4 – The Father’s Delight and the Spirit’s Descent “Here is My Servant, whom I uphold, My Chosen One, in whom My soul delights. I will put My Spirit on Him, and He will bring justice to the nations.” – Echoes the heavenly voice (“in whom I am well pleased”) and the Spirit resting on Jesus. • Psalm 2:6-7 – Coronation of the Son “You are My Son; today I have become Your Father.” – The Father’s declaration at the Jordan identifies Jesus as the Messianic King foretold in this royal psalm. • Isaiah 11:1-2 – The Spirit upon the Branch “A shoot will spring up from the stump of Jesse… The Spirit of the LORD will rest on Him.” – Baptism marks the public anointing of that promised Davidic Branch. • Isaiah 61:1 – The Anointed Herald “The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon Me, because the LORD has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor…” – Jesus receives the Spirit for His public ministry exactly as the prophecy anticipated. • Isaiah 53:11 – The Righteous Servant Justifies Many “My righteous Servant will justify many, and He will bear their iniquities.” – By submitting to a baptism of repentance, He identifies with sinners so He can “fulfill all righteousness” on their behalf. • Exodus 40:12-15; Numbers 4:3 – Priests Washed and Anointed at Age Thirty – Old-covenant priests began ministry after washing and anointing; Jesus, about thirty (Luke 3:23), passes through water and Spirit to begin His high-priestly work. Why These Prophecies Matter • They confirm the Father’s public endorsement of Jesus as Servant, King, and Priest. • They show the Spirit’s descent as the promised Messianic anointing. • They reveal baptism as the launch point for the righteous work foretold in the prophets—culminating at the cross and empty tomb. |
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