Matthew 3:15

“And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.”

Certainly! Let’s dive into a Bible study on Matthew 3:15 from the King James Version (KJV). This verse is part of the account of John the Baptist baptizing Jesus in the Jordan River. Here’s the verse in its context:

“And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.” (Matthew 3:15, KJV)

To understand this verse more fully, let’s break it down and explore its key themes and messages.

1. **Jesus’ Response**: The verse begins with Jesus responding to John the Baptist. John initially expressed his unworthiness to baptize Jesus, recognizing Jesus’ superiority. However, Jesus tells John to “suffer it to be so now.” This phrase implies that John should permit or allow the baptism to take place.

2. **Fulfilling All Righteousness**: Jesus explains to John that the baptism is necessary to “fulfil all righteousness.” This statement highlights Jesus’ obedience to God’s plan and the fulfillment of God’s requirements. Jesus’ baptism serves as an act of obedience and a public declaration of His identification with humanity in their need for repentance and salvation.

3. **Jesus’ Example**: Jesus says, “for thus it becometh us,” indicating that both He and John have a role to play in fulfilling God’s plan. Jesus, as the Son of God, sets an example for humanity by willingly undergoing baptism, emphasizing the importance of obedience and submission to God’s will.

4. **Understanding Baptism**: Baptism in the New Testament is a significant event symbolizing repentance, forgiveness, and spiritual cleansing. Jesus, sinless Himself, did not need repentance or forgiveness but chose to be baptized as an expression of His solidarity with humanity and His ultimate mission to provide salvation for all.

5. **The Trinity**: Although not explicitly mentioned in this verse, it is worth noting that the baptism of Jesus presents a unique occurrence where the three persons of the Trinity are present simultaneously. As Jesus is baptized, the Holy Spirit descends upon Him in the form of a dove, and the voice of God the Father affirms Jesus as His beloved Son (Matthew 3:16-17).

In summary, Matthew 3:15 emphasizes Jesus’ obedience to God’s plan, His identification with humanity through baptism, and the fulfillment of righteousness. It underscores the significance of baptism as a symbolic act and sets an example for believers to follow in their submission to God’s will.