The End Time: The Lord will thresh and winnow

Mat 3:13  Just at that time Jesus, coming from Galilee to the Jordan, presents Himself to John to be baptized by him.

Mat 3:14  John protested. "It is I," he said, "who have need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?"

Mat 3:15  "Let it be so on this occasion," Jesus replied; "for so we ought to fulfil every religious duty." Then he consented;

Mat 3:16  and Jesus was baptized, and immediately went up from the water. At that moment the heavens opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him,

Mat 3:17  while a voice came from Heaven, saying, "This is My Son, the dearly loved, in whom is My delight." WNT

We would wonder why the Sinless spotless Son of God would want to be baptized with a Baptism of Repentance by John the Baptist. Even John Himself was bewildered by the request

FROM GALILEE TO THE JORDAN

Mat 3:13  Just at that time Jesus, coming from Galilee to the Jordan, presents Himself to John to be baptized by him.

Mat 3:14  John protested. "It is I," he said, "who have need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?"

John recognised who Jesus really was and so he tried to deter him from coming for baptism.  Actually John thought that Jesus should be the one who baptised him.

Baptism was a very important duty for people coming to God. It spoke of repentance and the washing away of sin. In the NT it means much more.

River Jordan

Mat 3:15  "Let it be so on this occasion," Jesus replied; "for so we ought to fulfil every religious duty." Then he consented; WNT

Mat 3:15  And answering Jesus said to him, Allow it now, for it is becoming to us to fulfill all righteousness. Then he allowed Him. MKJV

Allow it now, for it is becoming to us, Jesus says that John should permit him to be baptized because it it becoming or fitting or suitable for him and for everyone else.

to fulfill all righteousness KJV [to complete every religious duty.]Do eveything the righteousness [or God] requires. Complete Jewish Bible.

Notes.

Jesus came to earth to Live as a man even though He was the God/Man, He identified with us in all our nature yet without sin. He was was touched by the feelings of our infirmities and weaknesses. He was tempted in all points and every way as we are, yet without sin. He fully obeyed his Father and did everything to complete what God had planned for Him. What humility for the Son of God to associate with us in this way.

Mat 3:16  and Jesus was baptized, and immediately went up from the water. At that moment the heavens opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him,

And so Jesus was Baptized

Jesus went down into the river Jordan and was immersed by John the Baptist

At that moment the heavens opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him,

Here the mighty Spirit of God came upon our Saviour to anoint Him for His Public Ministry. Jesus himself said to His own disciples,  Don’t leave Jerusalem but wait for the promise of the Father, be clothed with the Power from on High.” Luke 24 :49

Has the Spirit of God come upon you and stayed on you as He did to Jesus. The Promise of the Holy Spirit alighting and resting upon you is yours today. Acts 2:14-17; 37-38

Mat 3:17  while a voice came from Heaven, saying, "This is My Son, the dearly loved, in whom is My delight." WNT

The Heavenly Father was also there at the baptism of Jesus. This is one of the great Proof texts of the Trinity. The Son of God, coming out of the Water, the Spirit of God alighting upon Him as a dove and the Voice of the Father came from heaven.

Christian baptisms

saying, "This is My Son, the dearly loved, in whom is My delight." WNT This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased. KJV

Beloved: agapētos Thayer Definition:1) beloved, esteemed, dear, favourite, worthy of love

in whom I am well pleased. The smile of delight and approval of the Father was was upon His Son. What an intimate relationship they had all together. Jesus was being encourage all along the way. This is an example for us fathers today. Express your pleasure to your son and delight in him.

For more instruction on Baptism go to:

http://www.gotquestions.org/Christian-baptism.html