Charles Spurgeon Commentary Matthew 3:13-14

"Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to the Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. But John would have hindered him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?" — Matthew 3:13-14 (ASV)

Then comes Jesus from Galilee to Jordan to John, to be baptized by him. But John forbade him, saying, I have need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?

It seemed very strange that John, the servant, should be required to baptize Jesus, the Master.

Then comes Jesus from Galilee to Jordan to John, to be baptized by him. But John forbade him, saying, I have need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?

This is one of the most striking proofs that the ordinance of baptism is not to be neglected by any of Christ's followers, for even he who, in himself, could have had no need for it — who is himself the Baptizer with the Holy Ghost and with fire, yet comes to the baptizer in water, and asks to be immersed.

Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him. But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?

Who among us would not have felt as John did? Shall the servant baptize the Master, and such a Master, even his Lord and Saviour? But merely the condescension of our blessed Lord. He would do everything that he wished his people afterwards to do; and therefore he would be baptized, and set the example that he would have them all follow.