Expositor's Bible Commentary 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)

John’s consent was won because Jesus told him, “It is proper for us to fulfill all righteousness.” What does this mean? John’s baptism, it will be remembered, had two foci: repentance and its eschatological significance of the kingdom being near. Jesus affirms, in effect, that it is God’s will (“all righteousness”; GK 1466) that John baptize him; and both John and Jesus “fulfill” that will by going through with it (“it is proper for us”).

Within this framework we may recognize another theme. Jesus is seen as the Suffering Servant (Isaiah 42:1; cf. comment on Mt 3:17). But the Servant’s first mark is obeying God: he “fulfills all righteousness” since he suffers and dies to accomplish redemption in obedience to the will of God. By his baptism Jesus affirms his determination to obey that will and to do his assigned work. Thus the “now” may be significant: Jesus is saying that John’s objection to baptizing him is in principle valid. Yet he must “now,” at this point in salvation history, baptize Jesus; for at this point Jesus must demonstrate his willingness to take on his servant role and identify himself with the sinful human race.

This interpretation assumes that Jesus knew of his Suffering-Servant role from the beginning of his ministry. This role was hinted at in 2:23; here it makes its first veiled appearance in Jesus’ actions. The immediately following temptation narrative confirms it (4:1–11, see comments).