Epiphany · The Baptism of Our Lord
Matthew 3:13-17
The Baptism of Jesus
January 11, 2026
Overview & Insights
“This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:17)
Having narrated Jesus’ birth, Matthew fast-forwards to the events leading up to Jesus’ public ministry, including Jesus’ baptism by John (chap. 3). Matthew indicates that John the Baptist’s ministry prepares for that of Jesus (3:3; cf. Isa. 40:3) and also resonates with Jesus’ ministry, as themes of repentance, warnings of judgment, and Gentile inclusion in the coming kingdom of God resound. Jesus as God’s son has already been introduced at 2:15, where Jesus’ sonship is compared to that of Israel’s (“Out of Egypt I called my son”). Now the motif of Jesus as the faithful Son of God is highlighted at his baptism (3:13–17) and will be contrasted with Israel’s unfaithfulness in the temptation narrative that follows (chap. 4).
From Sermons.com: Join Today to access the most scholarly & well written preaching resources anywhere.
Take it further
Commentary
Commentary on Matthew 3:13-17 (Working Preacher) Working Preacher
Luther Seminary exegesis on Jesus fulfilling all righteousness and the voice from heaven naming him the beloved Son.
Matthew 3:13-17 Commentary Center for Excellence in Preaching
Reformed commentary on Jesus identifying with sinners in baptism and John witnessing the heavenly revelation.
Enduring Word Bible Commentary Matthew Chapter 3 Enduring Word · David Guzik
David Guzik's verse-by-verse notes on John's baptism and the descent of the Spirit at Jesus' baptism.
Matthew 3:13 Commentaries BibleHub
Classic commentators gathered on Jesus coming from Galilee to be baptized by John.
Matthew 3 Commentary (Precept Austin) Precept Austin
A deep resource hub collecting many commentaries, sermons, and word studies on the baptism of Jesus.
The Baptism of the Lord, Cycle A (Sunday Connection) Loyola Press · Sunday Connection
Catholic reflection, background, and prayer prompts built on this same Matthew 3:13-17 Gospel.
Background & Word Study
Matthew - Enter the Bible Enter the Bible
Luther Seminary overview of Matthew for setting the baptism at the start of Jesus' public ministry.
Gospel of Matthew Overview (BibleProject) BibleProject
Animated book overview mapping the literary design and theology of Matthew's Gospel.
Matthew 3:13 Interlinear BibleHub
Greek word-by-word interlinear with parsing for Jesus coming to be baptized, including the verb to fulfill.
The baptism of Jesus in Matthew 3 as fulfilment of the Old Testament Psephizo · Ian Paul
Ian Paul's Anglican study reading the baptism against its Old Testament and Isaianic servant background.
The Church Fathers
Sermons & Reflections
Questions preachers ask
What happens at Jesus' baptism?
Jesus insists on being baptized by John to fulfill all righteousness; as he comes up from the water the heavens open, the Spirit descends as a dove, and the Father's voice speaks.
Prep at sermons.com
Ready to write?
- Full sermons on Matthew 3:13-17
- Illustrations cleared for use in worship
- Commentary, quotes, and Bible dictionary
Trusted by pastors since 1995.
Free every Tuesday
Illustrations & Sermon Prep in your inbox
The coming Sunday’s readings, a cleared-for-use illustration, and a sermon-prep head start. One email, free.