New Testament
Matthew 3:15
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Jesus answered, "Let it happen this way for now. This is how we should fulfill all righteousness." So John agreed.
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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.
What Matthew 3:15 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus is speaking to John the Baptist, who is hesitant to baptize Him. Jesus insists that it is necessary for Him to be baptized to fulfill all righteousness. This means that Jesus is aligning Himself with humanity and the requirements of God's law. By being baptized, He is setting an example for others and showing His commitment to God's plan. The phrase 'fulfill all righteousness' indicates that Jesus is completing what is required for God's will, demonstrating His obedience and humility. John's agreement to baptize Jesus signifies his acceptance of this divine purpose. This moment marks the beginning of Jesus' public ministry and highlights the importance of obedience to God's commands, even when it may seem unnecessary or confusing. It emphasizes that Jesus, though sinless, chose to identify with sinners and the human experience, reinforcing His role as the Savior who understands and relates to our struggles.
How to apply Matthew 3:15 to your life
This verse encourages us to obey God's will, even when we don't fully understand it. Just as Jesus submitted to baptism to fulfill righteousness, we should be willing to follow God's guidance in our lives, trusting that His plans are for our good and His glory.
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: The Baptism of Jesus (Matthew 3:13–17)
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Photo: Gary Todd (Gary Lee Todd, Ph.D.), via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication. Source. Location: Southern end of the Temple Mount, Jerusalem Old City. Resized for the web.
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Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Matthew
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 3:15 mean?
Matthew 3:15 shows Jesus telling John the Baptist that He must be baptized to fulfill all righteousness. This indicates Jesus' commitment to God's plan and His identification with humanity.
What is the meaning of 'fulfill all righteousness' in Matthew 3:15?
The phrase 'fulfill all righteousness' means that Jesus is completing what is required by God's law and setting an example for others. It emphasizes His obedience and humility in following God's will.
Why did Jesus need to be baptized according to Matthew 3:15?
Jesus needed to be baptized to align Himself with humanity and demonstrate His commitment to God's plan. His baptism marks the beginning of His public ministry and shows His identification with sinners.
How does Matthew 3:15 relate to obedience?
Matthew 3:15 illustrates obedience as Jesus submits to baptism despite being sinless. It encourages believers to trust and follow God's guidance, even when it may not be fully understood.
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