Matthew 3:13-17
Chapter 3
13
Baptism of Jesus
At that time, Jesus arrived from Galilee and came to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him.14
But John tried to prevent him and said:
“How is it you come to me? I need to be baptized by you, and yet you are coming to me?”
15
But Jesus answered him:
“Let it be like that for now; so that we may fulfill all righteousness.”
Then John agreed.
16
As soon as he was baptized, Jesus came up out of the water. All at once, the heavens opened, and he saw the Spirit of God come down like a dove and rest upon him.
17
At the same time, a voice from heaven was heard:
“This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.”
Commentaries
Baptism of Jesus.
The account of the baptism details a historical event: Jesus was baptized by John. With the Baptists recognizing Jesus’ superiority, Matthew clarifies the relationship between Jesus and John, addressing both John’s followers who still cherished his memory and early Christians who might have been scandalized by this act. After Jesus is baptized, the heavens open, and the Father declares him his “beloved” son, making his mission clear.