| Author | Message | ||
| Indy4now Registered user Username: Indy4now Post Number: 720 Registered: 2-2008  |
I'm studying through Matthew now. I'm stuck on Matt. 3:15.
This is my question: Why would Jesus need to be baptized to "fulfill righteousness". I know that Christ fulfilled the Law and the Prophets... but how does water baptism fit into that? Also, this is a baptism for repentance, had they starting water baptisms before that as purification rites in the temple? Or was John the Baptist the first to start baptizing by water? I guess I'd like to hear your thoughts on this verse or chapter. vivian | ||
| Colleentinker Registered user Username: Colleentinker Post Number: 10235 Registered: 12-2003  |
Vivian, I like what the NIV Study Notes (Zondervan) say about this passage: This occasion marked the begnning of Christ's Messianic ministry. There were several reasons for His baptism: 1. The first, mentioned here, was "to fulfill all righteousness." The baptism indicated that He was consecrated to God and officially approved by Him, as especially shown in the descent of the Holy Spirit (v. 16) and the words of the Father (v. 17; cf. Ps 2:7; Is 42:1). All God's righteous requirements for the Messiah were fully met in Jesus. 2. At Jesus' baptism John publicly announced the arrival of the Messiah and the inception of His ministry (John 1:31-34). 3. By His baptism Jesus completey identified Himself with man's sin and failure (though He Himsef needed no repentance or cleansing from sin), becoming our substitute (2 Cor 5:21). 4. His baptism was an example to His followers. I think those analyses make senses. I've also pondered this verse... Colleen | ||
| Intruth Registered user Username: Intruth Post Number: 85 Registered: 3-2009 |
great question Vivian... excellent explaination Colleen... thank you. | ||
| Indy4now Registered user Username: Indy4now Post Number: 721 Registered: 2-2008 |
I posted this question on Facebook and Brian replied with this:
First of all, I think this is another great example of how Matthew utilizes the word "fulfill". Jesus completed the requirement for righteousness just like He fulfilled the Law and the Prophets. Another thing that I just saw after reading these posts is that we fulfill righteousness also by washing our sins with Christ's blood and by being "anointed" or "sealed" by the Holy Spirit. pretty nice. vivian | ||
| 8thday Registered user Username: 8thday Post Number: 1129 Registered: 11-2007  |
Wow - I don't know how I missed that connection - but it was fulfilling the Law in that respect. Great insight! Sondra | ||
| Jrt Registered user Username: Jrt Post Number: 747 Registered: 10-2008 |
Sondra, I didn't get another connection until I read your post ... Matthew 28 ... Where Jesus spoke to his followers what to do "Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you". (Matt. 28:19,20)... And this is in the context of the book of Matthew. He "fulfilled" in another way what He was to say, before He even said it at the end of His ministry ... Don't know if that makes sense or if I'm on the right track a bit ... Keri |
