Matthew 3:14

Note here, 1. The modesty of John's refusal: John forbade him, and refused to admit him. But why? 1. In regard of Christ, because he knew he needed it not: such was his majesty and greatness, that he was above it: and such was his purity and holiness, that he could not want it.

2. In respect of himself, he knew his own uncleanness: I have need to be baptized of thee, &c. He thought it unsuitable that. sinner should baptize and wash him that was no sinner.

3. With respect to the people; lest they seeing Christ baptized should apprehend him to be. sinner, and one that wanted the baptism of repentance as well as themselves.

Observe, 4. As the modesty of John's refusal, so the reason he assigns for it: I have need to be baptized of thee; as if he had said, "Thou art purity,. am pollution; thou art spirit,. am flesh; humble apprehension has this holy man of himself.

Learn, That the more holy. person is, the more sensible he is of his unholiness; where there is most grace, there is the greatest sense of the want of grace.