In Matthew 3:15, when Jesus says He must be baptized “to fulfill all righteousness,” He isn’t repenting—He’s obeying. His baptism marks the beginning of His public ministry and shows complete submission to God’s plan. By stepping into the water, Jesus identifies with sinners, validates John the Baptist’s ministry, sets an example for us, and begins fulfilling the mission that would lead to the cross. He didn’t need cleansing, but He chose baptism to show us what full obedience looks like.
This moment isn’t just a historical detail—it’s deeply personal. It reminds you that your salvation rests not just on Jesus’ death, but also on His perfect life. His obedience covers where you fall short. If you’ve ever wondered why Jesus’ baptism matters to your faith, or how it connects to your own walk with God, keep reading. A deeper dive into this powerful scene will show you how every act of Jesus—even stepping into the Jordan—was for you.
“Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.”
— Matthew 3:15 (NIV)
If you’ve ever read this verse and wondered, “What exactly did Jesus mean by fulfill all righteousness?” you’re not alone. It’s a short phrase that packs a ton of meaning, and it’s central to understanding Jesus’ purpose and identity.
Let’s break it down in a clear, simple way so you know exactly what Jesus was getting at—and why it matters to you.
The Context: Jesus Comes to Be Baptized
Here’s the scene: John the Baptist is out in the wilderness baptizing people in the Jordan River. He’s been calling Israel to repentance, preparing them for the coming Messiah (Matthew 3:1–12).
Then Jesus shows up and asks to be baptized.
John is shocked. He basically says, “Wait—you want me to baptize you? I should be baptized by you!” (Matthew 3:14).
That’s when Jesus responds with the key phrase:
“Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.”
— Matthew 3:15
But why would Jesus—God in the flesh, sinless and perfect—need to be baptized at all?
What Does “Fulfill All Righteousness” Mean?
Let’s break it into parts.
1. Fulfill
This word shows up a lot in Matthew’s Gospel. It means to complete or carry out fully. Matthew often connects Jesus’ actions with prophecies or divine purposes being fulfilled (see Matthew 1:22, 2:15, 2:17, etc.).
So, Jesus is saying His baptism is part of God’s bigger plan.
2. All Righteousness
Righteousness, in this context, means doing what’s right according to God’s will—not just avoiding sin, but actively obeying God’s commands and fulfilling His plan.
So “fulfilling all righteousness” means Jesus is:
- Aligning perfectly with God’s will
- Obeying every part of what’s required to bring salvation
- Publicly identifying with sinners He came to save
He’s not just doing this for Himself—He’s doing it for us.
Why Did Jesus Get Baptized?
Jesus didn’t need to repent. He was without sin (Hebrews 4:15). So His baptism wasn’t about turning from wrongdoing. It was about:
1. Obedience to the Father
Jesus was perfectly obedient in everything (Philippians 2:8). His baptism was part of the Father’s plan. It wasn’t optional.
“I always do what pleases Him.”
— John 8:29
2. Identifying With Sinners
Jesus was stepping into our place. He stood where we stand. Just like He’d later die on our behalf, here He starts His public ministry by symbolically taking our burden.
He wasn’t a sinner, but He identified with sinners.
3. Affirming John’s Ministry
By being baptized, Jesus validated John’s call to repentance. He showed that John’s ministry wasn’t just a side show—it was part of God’s redemptive plan.
4. Setting an Example
Jesus set the standard. Later, He would command His followers to be baptized (Matthew 28:19). But first, He modeled it Himself.
What Happens After Jesus Is Baptized?
Immediately after Jesus is 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. And a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased.’”
— Matthew 3:16–17
This is huge.
A Trinitarian Moment
- The Son is baptized.
- The Spirit descends.
- The Father speaks.
It’s one of the clearest moments where the Trinity—Father, Son, and Spirit—are all active in one scene.
Public Confirmation of Who Jesus Is
God the Father is publicly declaring Jesus as His beloved Son. This is a formal, divine endorsement.
Jesus hasn’t preached a sermon or done a miracle yet. But God already says, “I’m pleased.”
Why? Because Jesus is perfectly obedient, including in this moment of baptism.
What It Means for You Today
Jesus’ choice to “fulfill all righteousness” has real meaning for your life. Here’s how:
1. Your Salvation Is Rooted in His Righteousness
You don’t stand before God on your own goodness. You stand in Jesus’ perfect obedience, including moments like this one.
“By the one man’s obedience the many will be made righteous.”
— Romans 5:19
2. Baptism Still Matters
Jesus was baptized. He also commands His followers to be baptized.
“Go and make disciples… baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”
— Matthew 28:19
Baptism doesn’t save you, but it shows your salvation. It’s a step of obedience, just like it was for Jesus.
3. God Cares About Obedience
Even small acts of obedience matter. Jesus obeyed in all things—even in things that didn’t seem necessary.
You don’t have to understand everything God asks of you. You just have to trust Him.
Key Takeaways
Here’s the big picture of Matthew 3:15, in plain terms:
- Jesus didn’t get baptized because He needed it—He did it to fulfill God’s plan.
- “To fulfill all righteousness” means Jesus was completely obedient, identifying with sinners and setting an example.
- His baptism launched His public ministry and confirmed Him as the Son of God.
- For you, it’s a reminder that Jesus stands in your place, models obedience, and calls you to follow.
Final Thoughts
So when Jesus says, “Let it be so now… to fulfill all righteousness,” He’s not just talking to John.
In a way, He’s talking to you.
He’s saying: “I came to do everything the Father requires—even things I don’t need for Myself—so that you can be made right with God.”
That’s the heart of the Gospel. Jesus doesn’t just save you by dying. He saves you by living perfectly, righteously, in your place—from His baptism all the way to the cross.
And that’s good news worth trusting.
🔍 10 FAQs – Fulfill All Righteousness: What Did Jesus Mean in Matthew 3:15?
1. What does “fulfill all righteousness” mean in Matthew 3:15?
It means Jesus was fully obeying God’s will. By being baptized, He aligned with the Father’s plan, identified with sinners, and set an example for us—fulfilling what was necessary for salvation, not for Himself, but for us.
2. Why did Jesus need to be baptized if He was sinless?
Jesus wasn’t baptized because He needed cleansing—He was baptized to show obedience, identify with humanity, affirm John’s ministry, and begin His public mission as the Messiah.
3. Who was Jesus talking to in Matthew 3:15?
Jesus was speaking directly to John the Baptist, who was hesitant to baptize Him. Jesus reassured John that it was the right thing to do in order to fulfill God’s plan.
4. What does “righteousness” mean in the Bible?
Biblically, righteousness means living in full alignment with God’s will and standards. It involves moral integrity, obedience, and spiritual completeness according to God’s law.
5. How does Jesus’ baptism connect to our salvation?
Jesus’ baptism is part of His perfect obedience. His entire life, including His baptism, was lived in your place. His righteousness becomes yours when you trust in Him.
6. Is baptism required to fulfill all righteousness for us today?
Baptism doesn’t save you, but it is a step of obedience. Jesus commands His followers to be baptized (Matthew 28:19), and we follow His example to declare our faith.
7. Did Jesus fulfill Old Testament prophecy by being baptized?
While His baptism isn’t a direct fulfillment of a specific Old Testament verse, it’s part of the bigger picture of fulfilling God’s plan, including being the righteous servant spoken of in Isaiah 53.
8. Why did the Holy Spirit descend on Jesus at His baptism?
The Holy Spirit’s descent affirmed Jesus’ divine identity and empowered Him for ministry. It also marked the beginning of His public role as the Messiah.
9. What did God the Father mean when He said, “This is my Son, whom I love”?
This declaration confirmed Jesus’ identity as the Son of God and showed the Father’s approval of Jesus’ obedience, including His decision to be baptized.
10. What can we learn from Jesus’ baptism today?
Jesus’ baptism teaches us the value of obedience, humility, and identification with others. It shows that even the Son of God didn’t skip steps—and neither should we.
