Matthew 3:15 - But Jesus, answering, said to him, “Allow it now, for this is the fitting way for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he allowed him.
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Matthew 3:15" mean?
This verse from Matthew 3:15 is a key moment in understanding Jesus's mission and the nature of righteousness. Let's break it down:
Context: John the Baptist, known for baptizing people for repentance of sins, is hesitant to baptize Jesus. He recognizes Jesus's inherent holiness and feels unworthy.
"But Jesus, answering, said to him..." Jesus is addressing John's concern directly.
"Allow it now..." Jesus is asking John to proceed with the baptism despite John's reservations. The urgency of "now" suggests the importance of this act in fulfilling God's plan.
"...for this is the fitting way for us to fulfill all righteousness." This is the heart of the verse and contains several important concepts:
"Fulfilling all righteousness": Righteousness, in a biblical sense, refers to conformity to God's will and moral standards. Jesus, who is perfect and sinless, doesn't need personal cleansing or forgiveness. So, how is he fulfilling righteousness by being baptized?
Identification with Humanity: Jesus, by being baptized, is identifying himself with sinful humanity. He's taking on the burden of sin and symbolizing his willingness to walk the path of redemption for others.
Obedience to God's Plan: God had a plan for Jesus, and this baptism was a part of that plan. By submitting to baptism, Jesus is demonstrating his perfect obedience to God's will.
Setting an Example: Jesus is setting an example for his followers. Baptism becomes a symbol of repentance, faith, and obedience to God's call. It demonstrates humility and a willingness to publicly identify with God.
Inaugurating His Ministry: The baptism marks the beginning of Jesus's public ministry. The Holy Spirit descends upon him, and the Father declares his pleasure (Matthew 3:16-17).
"For us": The phrase "for us" indicates that both Jesus and John have a role to play. John is to be the one who baptizes Jesus, and Jesus is to be the one baptized. Together, they fulfill God's will.
"Then he allowed him." John, convinced by Jesus's words, proceeds with the baptism.
In Summary:
The verse signifies that Jesus's baptism, although not necessary for his own cleansing, was essential for fulfilling God's plan, identifying with humanity, demonstrating obedience, setting an example, and inaugurating his ministry. By undergoing baptism, Jesus took upon himself the role of Savior, embodying and fulfilling righteousness for all who would follow him. It emphasizes the importance of obedience, humility, and identification with God's plan for our lives.
Matthew 3:15 - But Jesus, answering, said to him, “Allow it now, for this is the fitting way for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he allowed him.
What does "Matthew 3:15" mean?
This verse from Matthew 3:15 is a key moment in understanding Jesus's mission and the nature of righteousness. Let's break it down:
Context: John the Baptist, known for baptizing people for repentance of sins, is hesitant to baptize Jesus. He recognizes Jesus's inherent holiness and feels unworthy.
"But Jesus, answering, said to him..." Jesus is addressing John's concern directly.
"Allow it now..." Jesus is asking John to proceed with the baptism despite John's reservations. The urgency of "now" suggests the importance of this act in fulfilling God's plan.
"...for this is the fitting way for us to fulfill all righteousness." This is the heart of the verse and contains several important concepts:
"Fulfilling all righteousness": Righteousness, in a biblical sense, refers to conformity to God's will and moral standards. Jesus, who is perfect and sinless, doesn't need personal cleansing or forgiveness. So, how is he fulfilling righteousness by being baptized?
Identification with Humanity: Jesus, by being baptized, is identifying himself with sinful humanity. He's taking on the burden of sin and symbolizing his willingness to walk the path of redemption for others.
Obedience to God's Plan: God had a plan for Jesus, and this baptism was a part of that plan. By submitting to baptism, Jesus is demonstrating his perfect obedience to God's will.
Setting an Example: Jesus is setting an example for his followers. Baptism becomes a symbol of repentance, faith, and obedience to God's call. It demonstrates humility and a willingness to publicly identify with God.
Inaugurating His Ministry: The baptism marks the beginning of Jesus's public ministry. The Holy Spirit descends upon him, and the Father declares his pleasure (Matthew 3:16-17).
"For us": The phrase "for us" indicates that both Jesus and John have a role to play. John is to be the one who baptizes Jesus, and Jesus is to be the one baptized. Together, they fulfill God's will.
"Then he allowed him." John, convinced by Jesus's words, proceeds with the baptism.
In Summary:
The verse signifies that Jesus's baptism, although not necessary for his own cleansing, was essential for fulfilling God's plan, identifying with humanity, demonstrating obedience, setting an example, and inaugurating his ministry. By undergoing baptism, Jesus took upon himself the role of Savior, embodying and fulfilling righteousness for all who would follow him. It emphasizes the importance of obedience, humility, and identification with God's plan for our lives.