John Calvin Commentary Matthew 3:13

"Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to the Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him." — Matthew 3:13 (ASV)

That he might be baptized by him. For what purpose did the Son of God wish to be baptized? This may be learned, in some measure, from his answer. We have already assigned a special reason. He received the same baptism with us, to assure believers that they are grafted into his body, and that they are buried with him in baptism, that they may rise to newness of life (Romans 6:4).

But the purpose which he here proposes is more extensive: for thus it became him to fulfill all righteousness (Matthew 3:15). The word righteousness frequently signifies, in Scripture, the observance of the law; and in that sense, we may explain this passage to mean that, since Christ had voluntarily subjected himself to the law, it was necessary that he should keep it in every part.

But I prefer a simpler interpretation. “Say nothing for the present,” said our Lord, “about my rank:²⁹² for the question before us is not which of us deserves to be placed above the other.²⁹³ Let us rather consider what our calling demands and what has been enjoined on us by God the Father.”

The general reason why Christ received baptism was that he might render full obedience to the Father; and the special reason was that he might consecrate baptism in his own body, so that we might have it in common with him.

²⁹² “Je laisse maintenant ma dignite a part.” — “I now lay my rank aside.”.” — “I now lay my rank aside.”

²⁹³ “Lequel de nous deux est plus grand ou excellent;” — “which of usboth is greater or more excellent.”;” — “which of usboth is greater or more excellent.”