Three of the four gospels — Matthew, Mark, and Luke — record the baptism of Jesus by John (Matt 3:13-17; Mark 1:9-11; Luke 3:21,22). Matthew’s account provides the most definitive answer to the question, “Why was Jesus baptized?” The following text is the account of Jesus’ baptism as recorded by Matthew:

The baptism of Jesus

13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. 14 But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” 15 Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented.  16 As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. 17 And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:13-17)

Can you imagine being in the shoes, uh… sandals, of John when Jesus approached him on the shore of the Jordan River, asking John to baptize him? John had come to prepare the way of the Lord (Matt 3:1-3). While preparing the way of the Lord, John told his followers that Jesus was mightier than he, so much so that John was not worthy even to carry Jesus’ sandals (Matt 3:11). Then came Jesus, asking John to baptize him. It must surely have been a mixture of emotions — surprise, awkwardness, humility — felt by John upon Jesus’ request of him.

Why Jesus was baptized

Today, we may experience similar feelings when considering the baptism of Jesus. If baptism is the avenue by which sins are washed away (Acts 22:16), why was Jesus baptized? Aren’t we told that Jesus committed no sin? (Hebrews 4:15; I Peter 2:21,22).

Jesus Himself provides the answer to our question. He told John, “Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness” (Matthew 3:15). Even as a child, Jesus understood that He was on earth to do His Father’s will (Luke 2:49). This is where we find the idea of “righteousness,” namely, conformity to the will of God. Jesus replied to John by saying, “It is fitting” (i.e., appropriate) to conform to the will of God.

Note that Jesus said, “it is fitting for us….” Who is the “us” to whom Jesus refers? It is possible that Jesus was referring to Himself and John. Likely, however, Jesus was referring to all believers. Regardless, the point is that Jesus was compelled to “fulfill all righteousness” — to conform to the requirements of God. In being baptized, Jesus led the way for all believers to do the same — to fulfill all righteousness. Jesus had not sinned and never did sin, yet He understood that all believers needed to be baptized. Jesus obeyed God’s will and received God’s expression of “well pleased.”

Why was Jesus baptized? Answer: “to fulfill all righteousness.” To be pleasing to God, we, too, must fulfill all righteousness; must conform to God’s will; … must be baptized.

What it means for us

Conformity to God’s will — righteousness — includes the prerequisites to baptism, namely, belief and repentance (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38). Baptism without these prerequisites is non-conformity.  One baptized without believing and repenting of one’s sins is not fulfilling righteousness. To be pleasing to God, one must believe, repent, and be baptized.

If you would like to talk more about your salvation or are ready to be baptized into Christ, please contact us at the Mannford Church of Christ.  You can email us at: robertprater76@gmail.com