Texts

Matthew 3:13–17; Romans 6:3–4.[cite:37][cite:32][cite:38]

Sermon Proposition

Jesus’ baptism prefigures his death and resurrection, and Christian baptism proclaims that believers are united to that saving pattern in him.[cite:42][cite:56][cite:58]

Introduction

Matthew’s account of Jesus’ baptism raises an immediate question: why would the sinless Son of God enter the waters of a baptism associated with repentance?[cite:31][cite:57] The answer given by Jesus is that it is fitting “to fulfill all righteousness,” and Romans 6 shows that this baptismal event anticipates his death, burial, and resurrection.[cite:46][cite:49][cite:32][cite:63]

1. Jesus entered the water as the obedient Son

Matthew says Jesus came to John “to be baptized by him,” showing deliberate purpose rather than accidental presence.[cite:37][cite:47] John resisted because he understood that Jesus was greater and that the proper direction of baptism should be reversed.[cite:37][cite:67]

1. Jesus came intentionally

• Jesus comes from Galilee to the Jordan with the purpose of receiving baptism.[cite:37][cite:47]
• His baptism is voluntary submission to the Father’s will.[cite:46][cite:49]

1. John’s resistance highlights Christ’s sinlessness

• John “kept trying to prevent” him.[cite:47]
• The objection makes clear that Jesus did not come because he needed repentance.[cite:31][cite:57]

1. “To fulfill all righteousness”

• Jesus says this act is “fitting” in order to “fulfill all righteousness.”[cite:46][cite:49]
• This points to his full messianic obedience, culminating in the cross.[cite:36][cite:59]

1. Jesus’ baptism prefigures his death and resurrection

Matthew notes that Jesus was baptized and then immediately came up from the water.[cite:37][cite:62] That movement forms a visible pattern of descent and ascent that Romans 6 later interprets as death, burial, and resurrection.[cite:48][cite:56][cite:63]