Mat 3:13-17 | TNotes

3:14 ^a As John had already confessed (3:11-12 ^b), he was lesser than the Messiah, so he felt unfit to baptize him.
3:15 ^c for we must carry out all that God requires: Or for we must fulfill all righteousness. This statement refers to accomplishing what the Old Testament demanded or foreshadowed (e.g., Jer 31:31-34 ^d). “Righteousness” in Matthew refers to behavior that conforms to God’s will (see Matt 5:20 ^e; 6:1 ^f, 33 ^g; 21:32 ^h).
3:16 ⁱ The Spirit of God descending like a dove was anointing Jesus, through whom salvation would come. This event was like a king’s being anointed with oil at his coronation. The Holy Spirit empowered Jesus to accomplish God’s salvation and defeat Satan (see 12:18 ^j, 28 ^k). This same Spirit empowers Jesus’ followers (10:20 ^l; Acts 1:8 ^m).
3:17 ⁿ my dearly loved Son (see Ps 2:7 ^o): The title “Son of God” reveals and clarifies Jesus’ nature and role (see Matt 4:3 ^p, 6 ^q; 14:33 ^r; 16:16 ^s; 17:5 ^t; 26:63 ^u; 27:54 ^v; 28:19 ^w). In his unique relationship to the Father, Jesus accomplishes salvation as the trusting and obedient Son.

• who brings me great joy: God the Father confirmed his Son’s ministry with language from Isaiah (Isa 42:1 ^x) and so prepared Israel for his ministry.