Why did Jesus say, "it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness"? The Setting at the Jordan “Jesus replied, ‘Let it be so now; it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness in this way.’ Then John permitted Him.” – Matthew 3:15 John’s baptism was a call to repentance. Yet the sinless Son of God steps into the water. Why? Jesus Himself answers: to “fulfill all righteousness.” What “All Righteousness” Means • “Righteousness” is everything God requires for perfect fellowship with Him. • To “fulfill” is to complete, bring to full measure, leave nothing lacking. • Jesus is declaring that every righteous demand of God—prophetic, legal, moral—must be fully met, and He has come to do exactly that. Reasons Jesus Gave for His Baptism 1. Identification With Sinners • Isaiah 53:11-12: the Servant bears “their iniquities.” • 2 Corinthians 5:21: “God made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us.” • Stepping into a baptism of repentance, He publicly aligns Himself with those He came to save. 2. Obedience to the Father’s Will • Philippians 2:8: “He humbled Himself and became obedient to death.” • From the outset, Jesus models wholehearted submission—no shortcut, no exemption, only perfect obedience. 3. Fulfillment of the Law and Prophets • Matthew 5:17: “I have not come to abolish them, but to fulfill them.” • Every prophetic type (e.g., the priest’s washing before service, Exodus 29:4) converges in this moment; Jesus steps forward as the true Priest-King. 4. Inauguration of His Messianic Mission • Immediately after His baptism, the Spirit descends, the Father speaks (Matthew 3:16-17). • This public anointing reveals the Triune plan of redemption and launches Jesus’ earthly ministry. 5. Validation of John’s Ministry • Luke 7:28: John is “more than a prophet.” • By receiving John’s baptism, Jesus affirms the God-given call to prepare Israel for the Messiah. 6. Pattern for Future Believers • Romans 6:4: “We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death.” • His baptism foreshadows our union with Him—death to sin, new life in righteousness. What This Means for Us Today • Confidence: Every righteous requirement is satisfied in Christ; nothing is left undone. • Assurance: Because He identified with us, we can be identified with Him—clothed in His righteousness. • Example: True discipleship follows His pattern of humble obedience and public declaration of faith. |
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