Matthew 3:15

Berean Standard Bible

“Let it be so now,” Jesus replied. “It is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness in this way.” Then John permitted Him.

King James Bible

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.

---------------------------

This verse, following immediately after John’s emphatic objection in verse 14, is one of the most theologically profound statements made by Jesus in the Gospel’s early chapters. It offers a rare glimpse into the inner logic of Christ’s mission even before His public teaching begins. Here, the sinless Son of God voluntarily submits to a baptism of repentance—something He does not need personally—out of a divine commitment to fulfill all righteousness. This is not only an act of obedience, but a moment of profound identification, humility, and the inauguration of His messianic vocation.

The verse begins, “And Jesus answering said unto him…” which indicates that Christ responds directly and deliberately to John’s protest. This is not a casual reply, but a purposeful correction and clarification. John’s hesitation in baptizing Jesus stems from a rightly reverent theology: he recognizes Jesus’ sinlessness and feels unworthy to perform such a task for the One who will baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire. Yet Jesus responds not with rebuke, but with gentle insistence. His words affirm John’s spiritual insight while also inviting him into a deeper understanding of the divine purpose unfolding in real time.

Jesus says, “Suffer it to be so now,” or more simply, “Allow it now.” The tone is pastoral, patient, and authoritative. Christ does not deny John’s unworthiness, nor does He correct John’s perception of His own sinlessness. Instead, He appeals to the unique necessity of the moment: now. The “now” is emphatic. It refers not merely to chronological time, but to the redemptive moment that has arrived. Something unprecedented is happening. The Kingdom is at hand. The Messiah has come. The time of prophetic promise is transitioning into the time of fulfillment. Jesus is essentially saying, “Let it happen—for this moment is part of a divine unfolding that must be carried out.” The insistence on “now” also carries the idea that this moment cannot be postponed or avoided. It is a necessary step in the divine mission.

Then comes the heart of Jesus’ explanation: “for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness.” This statement is dense with meaning and requires careful unpacking. The phrase “it becometh us” is remarkable in itself. Jesus includes John in the pronoun “us,” signaling that both of them have a role to play in this act. This is not merely Jesus doing something as an isolated figure; it is a collaborative moment between the forerunner and the Christ, between the prophet and the One he proclaims. John’s ministry finds its purpose and culmination in yielding to Christ in this moment, just as Christ’s mission involves affirming and fulfilling the preparatory work of John.

But what does Jesus mean by “to fulfil all righteousness”? This is the theological core of the passage. “Righteousness” in Matthew’s Gospel, and in the broader biblical tradition, refers not merely to moral behavior or legal compliance, but to right relationship with God, to covenant faithfulness, and to the fulfillment of God’s redemptive will. To “fulfill all righteousness” is to act in complete accord with the divine plan of salvation. It is to align one’s actions with God’s revealed purposes, particularly as they relate to the coming kingdom. In this case, Jesus is identifying Himself fully with the people He has come to save. Though He is without sin, He steps into the same waters of repentance that the sinners of Israel are entering. Not because He needs repentance, but because He is taking their place, inaugurating a representative solidarity with them that will culminate on the cross.

Jesus is, in essence, consecrating His messianic mission. By undergoing a baptism He does not need, He is demonstrating that He will fulfill every requirement of the Law and the prophets, not by exemption, but by obedience. He is the new Israel, the obedient Son, who goes through the waters not to confess sin, but to begin a new exodus—a liberation not from Egypt, but from sin and death. In being baptized, Jesus begins His journey of identification, substitution, and redemption. The baptism itself becomes a symbol of what His entire mission will entail: going down into death with sinners, in order to raise them up into life.

Moreover, this act affirms John’s ministry as divinely ordained. Jesus does not bypass John or create a new ceremonial beginning. He enters the line of penitents, affirming the legitimacy of the prophetic call to repentance. In doing so, He bridges the old covenant and the new, affirming the continuity of God’s redemptive work while initiating a deeper fulfillment of it. His baptism is the seam between preparation and fulfillment, between shadow and substance, between prophetic expectation and messianic reality.

The final clause of the verse, “Then he suffered him,” is brief but full of significance. John, in obedience to Christ, yields. The verb “suffered” here simply means “allowed” or “permitted,” but it captures the weight of the moment. John submits not because he fully understands, but because he trusts the One who speaks. His protest gives way to obedience, just as our limited understanding must yield to divine revelation. John's submission here models the appropriate human response to the mystery of Christ’s work—humble acceptance, reverent participation, and obedient faith.

In the broader theological context, this verse is a cornerstone for understanding Jesus' active obedience. His entire life is lived in perfect conformity to the Father's will. He does not begin His public ministry with triumph or exaltation, but with submission and self-identification with sinners. This foreshadows the pattern of the cross: that the path to exaltation lies through humiliation, that the way to life is through death, that righteousness is fulfilled not by asserting privilege, but by embracing servanthood. Jesus' baptism is not an isolated event; it is the first step on the road to Calvary.

Matthew 3:15, therefore, is not just a justification for Jesus’ baptism; it is a declaration of His mission. It is His first public act of obedience, His silent sermon before any words are preached, His submission to the Father's redemptive plan before any miracle is performed. It marks Him out as the true Servant of the Lord, the One who will accomplish righteousness not only by teaching it, but by becoming it, embodying it, and offering it to others as a gift.

For the reader and believer, this verse invites reflection not only on the humility of Christ but also on the call to follow Him in that same humility. If the sinless Son of God was willing to step into the waters of repentance, how much more must we, who are full of sin, be willing to turn, to yield, to obey? And if John, the great forerunner, had to set aside his objections and obey the word of Christ, how much more must we silence our pride and submit to the wisdom of God when it overturns our expectations?

In sum, Matthew 3:15 reveals the heart of the gospel in a single verse. It is the voluntary submission of the Righteous One for the sake of the unrighteous. It is the beginning of a journey that will lead to the cross and, beyond that, to resurrection. It is the divine affirmation that righteousness is not a ladder we climb to reach God, but a gift accomplished and offered by the One who came down into our world, into our water, into our flesh, to raise us up into His life.

----------------------------

Grace and peace be unto you, beloved brothers and sisters in Christ, from your servant in the Lord, called to proclaim the unsearchable riches of His gospel. I write to you with a heart stirred by the Spirit, that you may be strengthened in faith and encouraged in the way of righteousness, as we meditate together on the words of our Savior recorded in the Gospel according to Matthew, chapter three, verse fifteen: “But Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Permit it now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.’” These words, spoken by the eternal Son of God to John the Baptist, shine as a beacon of divine purpose, illuminating the path of obedience and the beauty of God’s redemptive plan. Let us, therefore, ponder this sacred moment and draw from it the wisdom and grace that our Lord imparts to all who seek Him.

Consider, dear friends, the scene at the Jordan River, where John, the forerunner, stood baptizing those who came confessing their sins. His was a voice crying in the wilderness, preparing the way of the Lord, calling all to repentance. Yet, when Jesus, the sinless Lamb of God, approached to be baptized, John hesitated, saying, “I need to be baptized by You, and are You coming to me?” In his humility, John recognized the surpassing holiness of Christ, who knew no sin, and questioned why the spotless One would submit to a baptism meant for sinners. But Jesus, in His infinite wisdom and meekness, responded, “Permit it now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Herein lies a mystery and a revelation, a truth that unveils the heart of our Savior and the nature of His mission among us.

What does it mean, beloved, to “fulfill all righteousness”? Jesus, being fully God and fully man, had no need for repentance, for He was without blemish or fault. Yet, in His condescension, He chose to identify with us, taking upon Himself the form of a servant. By stepping into the waters of baptism, He entered into solidarity with sinful humanity, not because He was a sinner, but because He came to bear our sins. This act was not for His own sake but for ours, that He might fulfill the righteous requirements of God’s law and establish a pattern of obedience for all who would follow Him. In this, we see the humility of our Lord, who, though He was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, becoming obedient even to the point of death on a cross.

Let us marvel, dear ones, at the phrase “it is fitting for us.” Jesus speaks not only of Himself but includes John in this divine act, saying “us.” Here we behold the collaborative nature of God’s kingdom, where the Savior invites His servants to participate in the unfolding of His redemptive purposes. John’s role was to baptize, to prepare the way, and Jesus honored him by submitting to this act, showing that righteousness is fulfilled not in isolation but in community, in the shared labor of those who obey God’s call. So too, you and I are called to work together, each with our gifts, to advance the cause of Christ, whether by preaching, serving, praying, or bearing one another’s burdens. The Lord delights to include us in His mission, that we might be co-laborers with Him in the gospel.

Moreover, the baptism of Jesus marks the beginning of His public ministry, a moment when heaven itself bore witness to His identity. As He rose from the waters, the Spirit descended like a dove, and the Father’s voice declared, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” This divine affirmation reminds us that Jesus’ obedience in fulfilling all righteousness was pleasing to the Father, and it sets before us an example to follow. We, who have been baptized into Christ, are called to walk in newness of life, to pursue righteousness not as a burden but as a joyful response to the grace we have received. Our obedience, though imperfect, is made perfect in Him, for He is our righteousness, our sanctification, and our redemption.

I exhort you, therefore, beloved, to reflect on your own calling to fulfill all righteousness. In a world that tempts us to seek our own glory or to compromise with sin, let us fix our eyes on Jesus, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross. Consider how you may walk in obedience, not out of mere duty, but out of love for the One who first loved you. Perhaps it is in forgiving a brother, speaking truth with gentleness, or serving the least of these. Whatever the Lord lays upon your heart, do it with the humility of Christ, knowing that even the smallest act of faithfulness contributes to the fulfillment of His righteous kingdom.

Let us also take courage from the example of John, who, though he felt unworthy, obeyed the Lord’s command. You may feel inadequate for the tasks God has entrusted to you, but know that He equips those He calls. The same Spirit who rested upon Jesus abides in you, empowering you to live for His glory. Trust in His strength, and do not shrink back from the work set before you, for the Lord is faithful to complete the good work He has begun in you.

As I close this letter, I pray that the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God the Father, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. May you be filled with the knowledge of His will, bearing fruit in every good work and growing in the love of God. Let the words of our Savior in Matthew 3:15 echo in your hearts: “Permit it now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Walk worthy of this calling, dear friends, and may your lives be a living testimony to the transforming power of Christ’s gospel.

--------------------------------

O Eternal and Most Holy God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Creator of all things seen and unseen, we come before Your majestic throne with hearts bowed in reverence and adoration, lifting our voices in humble supplication. You are the fountain of all righteousness, the source of all grace, and the One who sent Your beloved Son to fulfill Your perfect will among us. We stand in awe of Your divine purpose, revealed in the words of our Savior at the Jordan, as recorded in the Gospel of Matthew, chapter three, verse fifteen: “Permit it now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Inspired by this sacred moment, we offer our prayer for Your people scattered across the earth, that we may be united in faith, strengthened in obedience, and conformed to the image of Your Son.

Lord, we marvel at the humility of Jesus, who, though He was without sin, stepped into the waters of baptism to identify with us, His fallen creation. In His obedience, He fulfilled all righteousness, not for His own sake but for ours, that we might be reconciled to You through His perfect life and atoning sacrifice. We pray, O God, that You would pour out Your Spirit upon Your church, enabling us to follow in the footsteps of our Savior. Grant us hearts eager to obey Your will, even when it calls us to humble ourselves or to walk paths we do not fully understand. May we, like John the Baptist, yield to Your divine command, trusting that Your purposes are good and Your ways are higher than our own.

Father, we lift up Your people, from every nation, tribe, and tongue, who are called by Your name. As Jesus spoke of “us” in fulfilling righteousness, we pray for a spirit of unity among Your children. Knit us together, O Lord, that we may labor as one body, each fulfilling the role You have appointed, whether in preaching Your Word, serving the needy, or interceding for the lost. Remove from us any pride or division that hinders Your work, and fill us with the love that flows from Your heart. Let us be co-laborers with Christ, sharing in the joy of advancing Your kingdom, and may our collective obedience bring glory to Your holy name.

We beseech You, merciful God, to guide us in the pursuit of righteousness. In a world that entices us with fleeting pleasures and false promises, fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. Help us to live not for ourselves but for You, walking in integrity, speaking truth, and showing compassion to those in need. Where we have faltered, forgive us, we pray, and cleanse us by the blood of Your Son. Empower us by Your Holy Spirit to bear fruit that reflects Your character, that others may see our good works and glorify You, our Father in heaven.

O Lord, we pray especially for those among us who feel unworthy or ill-equipped for the tasks You have set before them. As John hesitated, yet obeyed, strengthen Your servants who doubt their calling. Remind them that Your grace is sufficient, and Your power is made perfect in weakness. Uphold those who face trials for the sake of Your name, and grant them courage to persevere. For the weary, provide rest; for the broken, bring healing; and for the lost, shine the light of Your gospel, that they may find their way to the cross.

We also intercede, gracious God, for those who have not yet known the saving love of Christ. As Jesus’ baptism marked the beginning of His public ministry, so let Your church be a beacon of hope, proclaiming the good news to all who are far off. Use us, we pray, as vessels of Your mercy, that through our words and deeds, many may come to know the One who fulfills all righteousness and offers eternal life to all who believe.

Finally, we give You thanks, O God, for the promise of Your presence. As the heavens opened at Jesus’ baptism, and Your voice declared Him Your beloved Son, so we rejoice that You have adopted us as Your children through faith in Christ. May we live each day in the assurance of Your love, guided by Your Spirit, and sustained by Your grace. Teach us to fulfill all righteousness, not as a burden, but as a joyful response to the redemption we have received.

Hear our prayer, O Lord, and let it rise as a pleasing offering before You. We pray all these things in the precious and holy name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and King, who with You and the Holy Spirit reigns forever, one God, world without end. Amen.