Question 1

Why did Jesus ask John to baptize him if Jesus had no sin?

Accepted Answer

Jesus did not come to John because he needed to repent. He had no sin to turn from. He asked to be baptized to carry out everything the Father wanted. By saying “it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness,” he showed that he was willing to stand with sinful people, keep God’s commands, and accept the path given to him. His baptism also set an example for others and marked the beginning of his public work. In this way he shared our place, so we could later share his life.

Question 2

What does “fulfil all righteousness” mean in this passage?

Accepted Answer

When Jesus says “fulfil all righteousness,” he is speaking about doing all that is right in God’s sight. He had willingly placed himself under God’s law and would obey it fully, in every part. Being baptized was part of that obedience, because the Father had given John this work and time. Jesus does not argue about rank but about what their calling from God requires. His baptism shows full submission to the Father’s will and helps set baptism apart for all who will later be joined to him.

Question 3

What is the meaning of the Spirit of God descending like a dove on Jesus?

Accepted Answer

The Spirit coming down like a dove is a visible sign that God’s Spirit rests on Jesus in a special way as he begins his public work. The open heaven and the dove‑like descent show that God is present and that Jesus’ mission is backed by heavenly power. The gentle form of a dove also fits the peaceful and pure character of his work. This sign was not because Jesus lacked the Spirit, but so that others could see that God had anointed him and should listen to and trust him.

Question 4

Why did God’s voice from heaven say, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased”?

Accepted Answer

The voice from heaven clearly identifies who Jesus is. By saying “my beloved Son,” the Father shows that Jesus is his own Son in a unique way, not just a servant. Saying “in whom I am well pleased” means that God fully delights in him and accepts him. This public word comes as Jesus steps into his work as the one who will bring people back to God. It also comforts believers, because the Father’s love that rests on Jesus is shared with all who are joined to him.

Question 5

What does this passage teach about Jesus’ humility and obedience?

Accepted Answer

Here Jesus, who is greater than John, still comes to him and asks for baptism. John feels unworthy and tries to refuse, but Jesus insists, not to lift himself up, but to obey the Father’s will. He is willing to be counted with sinners, to receive a baptism meant for repentance, and to stand in the water with those who know they need cleansing. His choice shows deep humility and steady obedience. He does not seek honor from people, but simply does what his Father has given him to do.

Question 6

What was happening around the Jordan when Jesus came to be baptized?

Accepted Answer

Before Jesus arrived, John had already been preaching in the wilderness and baptizing people in the Jordan River. Crowds were coming, confessing their sins, and waiting for the promised one John spoke about. Into this setting Jesus comes from Galilee. He steps into a place where people are turning back to God, and where expectations about the coming Savior are high. His baptism takes place right in the middle of that movement, showing that he accepts and confirms what John has been doing.

Question 7

How does Jesus’ baptism relate to Christian baptism today?

Accepted Answer

Jesus’ baptism is different from ours because he had no sin and needed no cleansing. Yet he chose to receive the same kind of washing that others received. In doing so, he set apart baptism as a sign linked to himself. He was later described as the one with whom believers are buried and raised to new life. His going into the water and coming up again point ahead to sharing in his death and new life. For believers today, baptism is a way God shows that they belong to Christ and share in what he has done.

Question 8

What does this passage show about the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit together?

Accepted Answer

At Jesus’ baptism, we see the Father, the Son, and the Spirit all active at the same time. The Son stands in the water and is baptized. The Spirit comes down like a dove and rests on him. The Father speaks from heaven and calls Jesus his beloved Son. This scene helps us see that God is one and yet there is a real relationship between Father, Son, and Spirit. The Father sends, the Son obeys, and the Spirit equips. All three are joined in the start of Jesus’ saving work.

Matthew 3:13

Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him.

The Baptism of Jesus

Cross References

Matthew 3:13

Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him.

Share Options

All Verses

Verse + Context

Current Verse

The Baptism of Jesus

Cross References