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Explanation for:
Matthew
3
:
15
And Jesus answering, said to him: Suffer it to be so now. For so it becometh us to fulfill all justice. Then he suffered him.
13
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{"arr":[{"author-name":"Ignatius of Antioch","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88d0244079222ed1845a0_Ignatius%20of%20Antioch.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":1,"exegesis-text":"He was born and baptized so that through His suffering He could sanctify the water. \\nEphesians 18"},{"author-name":"Gregory the Wonderworker","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88c6a2632a260ae8168b2_Gregory%20the%20Wonderworker.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":3,"exegesis-text":"Jesus responded to him, “Let it be for now, for this is the way we must fulfill all righteousness” (Matthew 3:15). Allow this moment, O Baptist; embrace the silence required for the construction of my ministry; seek to desire what I desire, and serve in the manner to which I am calling you. Do not speculate on my intentions. Allow this moment: refrain from proclaiming My Divinity too early, do not extol My kingdom with your words, lest the adversary, upon discovering it, abandon his scheme against Me. Permit the tempter to approach as he may, to confront Me and ultimately be overcome in due time. Allow Me to accomplish the purpose for which I came to earth. What is being realized today in the waters of the Jordan is a sacrament. This mystery belongs to Me and to My own. The sacrament serves not to meet My needs, but to think of healing the wounded. It is intended to reveal in these waters the heavenly sources of human life. Allow it. When you witness Me, who, with divine authority, produces what I will within My creation, then compose fitting hymns in response to what has taken place; when you see Me cleansing the lepers, then name Me the Observer of Creation; when you see Me enabling the lame to walk, then, with well-prepared feet, proclaim with your voice My praises; when you see Me casting out demons by My word, then exalt My kingdom; when you see Me calling forth the dead from their graves through My command, then join in praise with those who have been raised, acknowledging Me as the Source of life; when you witness Me seated at the right hand of the Father, then reflect on My unity with the Father and the Holy Spirit. Allow it now, for thus must we fulfill all righteousness. I am the Lawgiver and the Son of the Lawgiver, and I must first fulfill all that is established, then authenticate My gift in all places. I must fulfill the law and subsequently extend grace. I must reveal the shadow before the truth. I must abolish the old covenant and proclaim the new covenant, inscribing it on the hearts of humanity, sealing it with My blood and My Spirit. I must ascend the cross and be pierced by nails, enduring all that is possible to endure, using My suffering to heal human passions, and by the tree reconcile the wounds caused by the tree of knowledge. I must descend to the very depths of hell for the sake of those held there. I must, through the death of My body for three days, dismantle the dominion of enduring death. I must illuminate the darkness for those who dwell in the shadow of death. I must ascend, in the flesh, to where I am God. I must bring forth Adam, who reigns in Me, to the Father. This is My purpose among My creation. I am to be baptized with this baptism now, and then grant to all humanity the baptism of the consubstantial Trinity. Extend to Me, O Baptist, your right hand for this ministry, just as Mary offered her womb for My birth. Immerse Me in the waters of the Jordan, as she wrapped Me in swaddling clothes at My birth. Provide Me with baptism as the Virgin provided nourishment; touch My head, which the seraphim revere; touch My head, which is like your right hand; touch My head, which may be held by nature; touch My head, which I and the Father have prepared for this moment; touch My head, which, when touched in reverence, leaves no burden upon the soul. Baptize Me, who has the authority to baptize believers with water, with the Spirit, and with fire—with water that cleanses the stains of sin, with the Spirit that renders the earthly spiritual, with fire that consumes the thorns of wickedness. Upon hearing these words, the Baptist halted in his thoughts regarding the path to salvation, holding within himself the sacrament he had received. In obedience to God's instruction, he, being pious and faithful, extended his trembling yet joyous right hand and baptized the Lord."},{"author-name":"Jerome of Stridon","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88dcd3432c6dd41375498_Jerome%20of%20Stridon.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"Do not obstruct merely = sine modo. It is beautifully remarked by Him to allow the revelation that Christ was to be immersed in water by John, and that John would be immersed in the Spirit by Christ. In other words, do not prevent Me, who assumed the role of a servant, from embodying the humility uniquely associated with Him. Furthermore, it will be made known to you that on the day of judgment, you will undergo baptism through My baptism. The Lord Jesus declares, do not hinder Me: I have a different baptism that I must undergo. You will immerse Me in water so that I may, in turn, baptize you in My name with your blood. He has not separated: the truth of the law from the truth of nature, so we comprehend both aspects. If God has received baptism from a fellow servant, then let no one feel ashamed to receive baptism from another servant."},{"author-name":"John Chrysostom","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88ea76859f9f8e2ffd3ee_John%20Chrysostom.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"What about Christ? He acted in the same way here as He did later with Peter. Initially, Peter resisted having his feet washed, but when he heard the words, ‘What I do, you shall not weigh now, but you shall understand according to these things: you shall have no part with Me’ (John 13:7, 8), he quickly abandoned his reluctance and yielded. Similarly, John, upon hearing ‘Leave it now, for it is fitting for us to fulfil all righteousness,’ promptly complied. Both Peter and John demonstrated neither resistance nor stubbornness; instead, they expressed love and a desire to follow their Lord in everything. Observe how Jesus appeals to John through the very challenge he faced: rather than asserting that justice required it, He emphasized that it was appropriate. Although John felt it was inappropriate for Him to receive baptism from a servant, Jesus highlighted the complete suitability of the act, as if saying, ‘Is it not your own refusal that makes you see it as improper? In fact, it is very fitting, so ignore your reservations.’ He urged him not merely to set it aside, but to do so ‘now.’ He indicated that this situation would not be perpetual; rather, John would one day witness Him in the manner he anticipated, but for now, he was to hold back. Furthermore, Christ explained why this act was fitting. Why is it appropriate? Because we must fulfill the entirety of the law, which He indicated by the phrase, ‘All righteousness,’ since righteousness is the embodiment of the commandments. It has been stated that all other commandments have been fulfilled, and only this one remains; thus, we must incorporate this as well. I have come to address the obligation incurred by the transgression of the law; therefore, I must first complete the entire law myself, liberating you from condemnation and bringing an end to the law. Accordingly, I must fulfill the entire law to resolve the curse noted against you within it. This is the reason I took on human flesh and entered the world."},{"author-name":"Ephraem the Syrian","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88b589fc3e99eb7bb1839_Ephraem%20the%20Syrian.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"He states, “Allow it to be so now, in order that we may accomplish all that is righteous,” for both liberators and sovereigns have been anointed and given the law through the priests. As He assumed human form and made Himself known, becoming vulnerable to the bodily requirements, He chose to undergo baptism to affirm the authenticity of His humanity. This was primarily to bring the baptism of John to a close, as He subsequently baptized those who had already received John's baptism. Through this act, He demonstrated and clarified that John's baptism occurred before His arrival, for true baptism is revealed by our Lord, who liberates individuals from the repercussions of the law. He remarked, “Allow it to be so now,” so that He would not intrude like a thief into the fold of the sheep, and to expose the Pharisees, who arrogantly dismissed John's baptism, while simultaneously honoring the humility of His messenger, as it is written, “Everyone who humbles himself will be exalted.” \\n\\n“Allow... that we may accomplish all that is righteous,” for in a manner, John served as a part of the law, as “the law and the prophets were until John,” Christ marking the commencement of the New Covenant. Thus, through baptism, Christ embraced the essence of the Old Testament in order to receive the complete and unblemished anointing, which He bestowed upon His disciples. He concluded John's baptism alongside the law. Christ underwent baptism in truth, having no sin, while He baptized in grace, recognizing that others were sinners. He abolished the law through His truth and concluded the baptism of John through His own baptism. Moreover, when He says, “that we may accomplish all that is righteous,” this indicates that John functioned as the enclosure for the sheep, where the people of Israel were gathered and united. Therefore, the Lord did not approach the flock forcibly, but rather through righteousness."},{"author-name":"Anonymous Commentary (Opus Imperfectum)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":4,"exegesis-text":"In what manner will Jesus embody the essence of baptism? This will indeed be through the manifestation of human nature. It is essential for humanity to undergo baptism, for in their earthly existence, all are transgressors. Thus, just as He realized the essence of baptism, He also embraced the truth of birth and growth, of nourishment and hydration, of slumber and respite; He likewise experienced the realities of temptation, fear, flight, and sorrow; He fully realized the truth of suffering, death, and resurrection. In other words, He comprehensively fulfilled each of these truths in accordance with the humanity He assumed."},{"author-name":"Isidore of Pelusium","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88d94130e668938c9ae9d_Isidore%20of%20Pelusium.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":5,"exegesis-text":"The just Judge, assigning to each moment what is fitting, spoke to John, who hesitated to baptize Him, saying, “let it be so now.” Since John revered Him as the Lord and felt unworthy to touch the sacred head, he was told, “Let it be so now,” meaning this is the appointed moment of humility, the occasion of divine condescension, where I have taken on humanity and am baptizing him to cleanse him from sin. At this time, it is not the Lord's might that is necessary, but a humble submission: let it be so now to be filled with grace, ensuring there are no obstacles to the redemption of humanity. Thus, it is essential that we fulfill all righteousness. The act of righteousness belongs to Him who impassively embraced human weaknesses to undergo Baptism on behalf of humanity, in order to erase their sins and as a sign of their communion in Me."},{"author-name":"Theophylact of Bulgaria","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8989296bafed9104677d7_Theophylact%20of%20Bulgaria.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":11,"exegesis-text":"Jesus responded by saying, Allow it to be so for now. There will come a moment when we will reveal our true glory, even if it is not apparent at present. It is necessary for us to accomplish all righteousness. Here, righteousness refers to the divine law. He indicates that human nature is under a curse due to its inability to uphold the law. Hence, I have satisfied the other commandments of the law. What is left for Me is to undergo baptism. Once I complete this, I will liberate humanity from its obligation. It is right for Me to undertake this action."},{"author-name":"Euthymios Zigabenos","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":11,"exegesis-text":"Pause now in lifting the veil of My perfect nature and Divinity; this is not the appropriate moment for that revelation. Rather, I am baptized by you in accordance with the Family. For the sake of humanity, I took on human form so that I might conquer the adversary who afflicts them. Thus, for the sake of humanity, I undergo baptism like them, that in the waters I may cleanse the impurities of those who are destined to be renewed through water and the Spirit. Simultaneously, I carry this out in obedience to the work of the Lord, that I may reveal Myself to the people through baptism. Therefore, it is appropriate for Me to fulfill every divine ordinance, as the commandment of God is what is meant in truth. Every decree that the Law demanded, I have accomplished; there remains but one: that I should be baptized. Thus, it is right to fulfill all righteousness, which signifies baptism, so that, just as the old Adam failed to obey one commandment, I, the new Adam, accomplish them all on his behalf, establishing his future and liberating My disciples from the judgment to which he brought upon all his descendants. John's baptism, too, was a command from God, for he stated: He that sent me to baptize with water, he spake unto me, etc."},{"author-name":"Nicephoros (Theotokis)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8958407451968d9c204fb_Nicephoros%20(Theotokis).png","category":"Christian Authors","century":18,"exegesis-text":"The concept of truth is applied to every form of goodness. Our Savior instructed His forerunner John to set it aside: it is appropriate for us to accomplish every act of righteousness, which refers to all virtue (Matt. 3:15)."},{"author-name":"Michail (Lusin)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c89550c567e172d15b3055_Michail%20(Lusin).png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"“Depart now”: do not obstruct, do not hold back. - “Fulfill all righteousness”: everything that we—both you and I—are called to complete as a responsibility, as a necessity. If you do not baptize Me and I am not baptized by you, that which is destined by divine decree to be accomplished will remain incomplete. Refer to the commentary on the significance of Christ's baptism in Matthew 3:13."},{"author-name":"Abbot Panteleimon about the Trinity","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"But Jesus replied to him, \\"Allow it now, for it is appropriate for us to fulfill all righteousness.\\" In the Savior's response, we can perceive both the majesty of the Son of God and the humility of the Son of Man. Set aside your human reasoning for the moment: obey the command given to you, and I will carry out what is required of Me. Strive to want what I want, and do not overreach in your testing of My intentions. Do not proclaim My Divinity just yet; do not announce My Kingdom at this time. Let the adversary approach Me as he would a mere mortal; let him contend with Me, so he may face his rightful judgment. My actions now are profound and concealed. This is not the moment for My glorification, but for My humiliation, for it is essential that we fulfill all righteousness, completing the law and the will of God. The first Adam failed to uphold one command, leading to the condemnation of all humanity; I, as the new Adam, must obey not just the commands of God but also the laws of men that align with those commandments, thereby granting salvation to all. Set this aside for now, John; there will come a time when you will see Me as you wish: you will witness Me vanquishing the power of Satan; you will observe all forces of heaven, earth, and hell bow before Me—this you will see, but for now, await it. For the time being, I must receive baptism from you, just as I once experienced circumcision. God, My Father, has appointed you to baptize others; having taken on human form, I must be baptized by you. If tax collectors and sinners glorify God by receiving baptism from you, should I not follow suit? If I refrain, would I not be akin to the Pharisees and scribes, who, refusing your baptism, rejected God's purpose for their salvation? Let us therefore set this aside, for we must fulfill all righteousness. I am the Lawgiver and the Son of the Lawgiver; consequently, I must first fulfill what I have commanded and then demonstrate My authority. First, I must uphold the Law, only then to impart grace. I need to complete the Old Covenant and proclaim the New Covenant, inscribing it on the hearts of humanity, sealing it with My blood and My Spirit. I must ascend the cross and be crucified, so that through My sufferings I may bring healing to the suffering of others. I must descend into the depths for the sake of the deceased there. Through My three-day death in the flesh, I must eradicate the longstanding dominion of death. I will ascend with the flesh where I am present in the Godhead. I will bring Adam to the Father. I must now undergo this baptism and subsequently offer to all the baptism of the one and only Trinity. Place your right hand upon Me, O Baptist. Submerge Me now in the waters of the Jordan, just as she who bore Me wrapped Me in swaddling clothes. Touch My head, before which the Seraphim bow in reverence. And the Forerunner, no longer obstructing the fulfillment of Divine truth, then performed the act. He looked on in amazement as Jesus Christ removed His garments like any other sinner. John himself led Him into the water, placed his trembling hand upon Him, and immediately immersed Him in the waters of the Jordan."},{"author-name":"Justinus (Polianski)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8910e8cf0554bdb256030_Justinus%20(Polianski).png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":19,"exegesis-text":"‘We must fulfill all righteousness.’ These words were spoken by the Lord to St. John the Baptist during His baptism in the Jordan, when the Baptist hesitated to baptize Him, fully aware of His identity, and instead requested to be baptized himself. In this declaration lies a profound new mandate provided by the Savior as an example for His disciples. According to this mandate, every genuine Christian, in their actions and life, is required to continually fulfill all righteousness. For if one allows deceit and falsehood to take root, they cease to be a child of light, becoming a child of darkness - a progeny of the devil, who embodies lies. The charge to uphold the truth equates to genuine, heartfelt obedience and submission to the divine law, imbued with reverence for God, as truth resides within the law while wickedness embodies a falsehood. Recognizing that truth is found in the Law of God, a Christian should refrain from questioning the reasons behind prohibitions and commandments but should rather, with unwavering obedience of mind and heart, strive to fulfill what is commanded and abstain from what is forbidden. This significant virtue draws the attention of the Lord Himself, who declares, ‘On whom shall I look but on the meek and humble, and he who trembles at My word!’ (Isaiah 66:2). How great is God's mercy towards the devoted Christian who is obedient to His law! Yet, acquiring this admirable virtue is challenging and not easily achievable. Our inquisitive nature yearns to understand the reasons and purposes behind every command and restriction - it seeks to adjudicate and define everything according to its perspectives. However, due to its limitations and frailties, it often becomes ensnared in untruths and falsehoods. How many are there among us who misguide themselves in this way! Thus, it is essential to petition the Lord: ‘Grant me, O Lord, obedience; grant me unwavering adherence to Your law, that I may not deviate from the path of truth to embrace falsehood!’"}]}
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