What Did Jesus Mean When He Said It Was Time to Fulfill All Righteousness (Matthew 3:15)? ~ Simple Bible Class

In Matthew 3:15, Jesus says to John the Baptist, "Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness." This statement is made just before Jesus is baptized by John in the Jordan River.

The phrase "to fulfill all righteousness" likely means that Jesus is submitting to the will of God and fulfilling the requirements of the law. In Jewish tradition, baptism was not a common practice, but it was seen as a way to repent and symbolize a cleansing from sin. John the Baptist was known for baptizing people as a sign of their repentance and turning towards God. By submitting to baptism, Jesus is showing his willingness to follow God's will and to fulfill the requirements of the law.

Some theologians have also interpreted the phrase "to fulfill all righteousness" as meaning that Jesus is fulfilling the righteous requirements of the law on behalf of all humanity. In this view, Jesus' baptism serves as a symbol of his identification with humanity and his taking on of our sin and brokenness. Through his death and resurrection, Jesus reconciles us to God and offers us the gift of salvation.

It is also important to note that Jesus' baptism was not necessary for his own salvation, as he was fully God and fully sinless. Instead, his baptism serves as an example for us to follow and a sign of his willingness to submit to the will of God.

In Matthew 5:17, Jesus says, "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them." This statement further emphasizes Jesus' commitment to fulfilling the requirements of the law and to living a righteous life.

Overall, the phrase "to fulfill all righteousness" in Matthew 3:15 likely refers to Jesus' submission to the will of God and his willingness to fulfill the requirements of the law, both for himself and for humanity. Through his death and resurrection, Jesus offers us the gift of salvation and reconciles us to God.