Why Does Jesus Get Baptized? | Matthew 3:13-17 with Sarah Stenson

Isn't it sinners who need baptism? What does it mean to fulfill all righteousness? What is the function of the Holy Spirit?

Luther House of Study's co-director, Sarah Stenson, joins the podcast to discuss this week's lectionary text, Matthew: 3:13-17. In it, Adam, Kiri, and Mason ask questions like:

• Why does Jesus have to be baptized by John?
• What does it mean to be baptized into sin?
• What is the significance of Jesus receiving a promise from God?

Matthew 3:13-17

13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan, to be baptized by him. 

14 John would have prevented him, saying, "I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?" 

15 But Jesus answered him, "Let it be so now; for it is proper for us in this way to fulfill all righteousness." Then he consented. 

16 And when Jesus had been baptized, just as he came up from the water, suddenly the heavens were opened to him and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. 

17 And a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased." 

Support the show

Interested in sponsoring an episode of Scripture First?
Email Sarah at [email protected] or visit our donation page: lutherhouseofstudy.org/donate