Matthew 3:15

Suffer it to be so now.

The term "now" implies that the relation of Jesus to his work made it proper that now he should be baptized. It is true that baptism was for sinners; Jesus was sinless; the candidates confessed their sins, while he had none to confess; but he had humbled himself, taken human form, accepted the burden of human duties, and must set. perfect example to men. He obeyed the Jewish law and it was needful also that he obey the Divine rite that John had inaugurated. There are two aspects in baptism; it is an act connected with the pardon of sins, and it is also an act of obedience;. sign of loyalty to God. Perfect righteousness demanded that he obey this ordinance. When he had ascended the throne and was wearing his heavenly crown it would not be proper, but "now," while he was in the flesh, "tempted in all points even as we," it was needful that he set an example of obedience.

Thus it becometh us.

In order to fulfill all righteousness, show forth. perfect obedience, set. perfect example, it became him to submit to the institution of baptism and it became John to administer it to him. "Us" refers to Jesus and John. The co-operation of the two was required in order to obedience.