ESV Reformation Study Bible – Matt 3:13–15
Resources chevron-right ESV Reformation Study Bible chevron-right Matthew chevron-right Matt 3:13–15
Matt 3:13–15

3:13–15 John was reluctant to baptize Jesus because he recognized that Jesus was the one person who had no need for repentance. But in order for “all righteousness” to be fulfilled, Jesus had to be identified with His people as the bearer of their sins (2 Cor. 5:21). Ultimately John’s baptism pointed to Jesus, for only Jesus’ death on a cross, which He called a “baptism” (Luke 12:50), could take away sins. Jesus’ identification with His people included His baptism and death, His anointment with the Spirit, and His victory over temptation. See “The Baptism of Jesus” at Mark 1:9.