Baptism of the Lord

What prophecies is Jesus fulfilling in the Baptism of the Lord?

All four gospel accounts have this historical event. ​

¹³ Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. ¹⁴ John tried to prevent him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and yet you are coming to me?” ¹⁵ Jesus said to him in reply, “Allow it now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he allowed him. ¹⁶ After Jesus was baptized, he came up from the water and behold, the heavens were opened [for him], and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove [and] coming upon him. ¹⁷ And a voice came from the heavens, saying, “This is my beloved Son,^[c] with whom I am well pleased.”

To fulfill all righteousness: in this gospel to fulfill usually refers to fulfillment of prophecy, and righteousness to moral conduct in conformity with God’s will.

Fulfillment in General

• Righteousness means saving activity of God.

• To fulfill all righteousness is to submit to the plan of God for the salvation of the human race.

• This involves Jesus’ identification with sinners; hence the propriety of his accepting John’s baptism.

Fulfillment in Matthew

What is fulfillment?

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