Charles Ellicott Commentary Matthew 3:15

"But Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer [it] now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffereth him." — Matthew 3:15 (ASV)

Suffer it to be so now — The “now” is emphatic, referring to the present time, in contrast with what was to follow. Hereafter, John should be the receiver and not the giver, but for now there was a fitness in each retaining his position (the words “it becometh us” seem to refer to both, not to the speaker only). The word and the thought are the same as those of Hebrews 2:10. Even He had to pass through the normal stages of growth, and so an outward ordinance was, even for Him, the appointed way to the fullness of spiritual power. He was in His place receiving that rite. John was doing his proper work in administering it.