Daily Devotionals

Matthew 3:13–17｜The Baptism of Jesus and the Father’s Approval

Kermit Wu

— 2 min read

I. Passage Overview

Matthew 3:13–17 (ESV)

*“Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him. John would have prevented him, saying, ‘I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?’ But Jesus answered him, ‘Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.’ Then he consented.

And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; and behold, a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.’”*

This event marks the public inauguration of Jesus’ ministry, showing His perfect obedience and the Father’s affirmation.

II. Background and Exegesis

1. Why did John try to stop Jesus from being baptized (vv.13–15)? Why did Jesus insist?

  • John’s reaction: He felt unworthy — “I need to be baptized by you!” John knew Jesus was sinless and greater than himself.
  • Jesus’ response: “Let it be so now… to fulfill all righteousness.”
    • Jesus was not baptized to repent of sin (He had none) but to identify with sinners, to affirm God’s plan, and to inaugurate His mission publicly.
    • His baptism showed humility, obedience, and solidarity with humanity.
Insight: Sometimes obedience to God may not seem necessary from a human perspective, yet Jesus models complete submission to God’s will.

2. What does “to fulfill all righteousness” mean? What does Jesus’ example teach us?

  • Fulfilling all righteousness: Accomplishing everything required by God’s will and plan. Jesus willingly obeyed every step of the Father’s purpose.
  • Practical reminder for us:
    • We are called to obey God fully, not selectively.
    • True humility seeks to honor God even when others do not understand.
    • In our dealings with people, we should choose integrity and obedience to God over convenience or pride.
Insight: Jesus’ obedience challenges us to live faithfully in every area — even in actions that seem small, unnecessary, or misunderstood.

3. What happened after Jesus was baptized (vv.16–17)? What does the Father’s voice mean for believers?

  • The heavens opened: Signifying God’s direct involvement.
  • The Spirit descended like a dove: Empowering Jesus for ministry — a symbol of peace, purity, and divine approval.
  • The Father’s voice: “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”
    • This publicly confirms Jesus’ identity and mission.
    • For believers: In Christ, we too are accepted, loved, and empowered by God’s Spirit.
Insight: God affirms His Son before any miracle or ministry act — showing that our identity in God’s love comes before our performance.

III. Summary

  • Jesus’ baptism was an act of humble obedience, not personal repentance.
  • “To fulfill all righteousness” means complete alignment with God’s will.
  • The Father’s affirmation of Jesus points to our own acceptance in Christ.
Key challenge: Are we willing to obey God even when it is not about personal gain or recognition? Do we live as those who already have the Father’s approval through Jesus?

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