Jesus insisted that he must be baptized by John, for both of them (thus it is fitting for us
) had to obey every divine ordinance (dikaiosunē in the original Greek). Since John’s baptism was for all Israelites, Jesus, as an Israelite, also had to undergo it (see Matthew 5:17)—to become like his brothers in every respect. As well, receiving the Holy Spirit empowered him to begin his ministry (Matthew 3:16).
While Jesus acknowledged John’s objection, he nonetheless maintained that he must be baptized by John, for both of them (thus it is fitting for us
) had to obey every divine ordinance (dikaiosunē in the original Greek). Because John’s baptism applied to all Israelites, Jesus, as an Israelite, also had to undergo it (see Matthew 5:17). He had to become like his brothers in every respect. Furthermore, by receiving the Holy Spirit, the baptism empowered him to begin his ministry (Matthew 3:16).1
15 But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented.