Definition: And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer [it to be so] now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down that passage from Matthew 3:15. It's a really important part of the story about Jesus and how he’s preparing for his ministry. Here’s a simple explanation: The Basic Idea: Jesus is telling someone – likely one of the disciples – to endure a difficult situation. He’s saying, “This is what we have to do.” And then, he simply says, "So be it." Let's unpack it piece by piece: "And Jesus answering said unto him..." : This means Jesus is speaking directly to someone – likely a disciple. He’s using the word “answering” to show he’s serious and deliberate. "...Suffer [it] now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness." : This is the core of the verse. "Suffer it" means to endure something painful or difficult. “For thus it becometh us…” is a Latin phrase meaning, “It’s right and proper for us to do this.” Jesus is saying that this situation – this suffering – is necessary because it's part of what we need to do in our lives. "Fulfil all righteousness" is a fancy way of saying "to live a righteous life." It means to act morally and honestly, following God’s laws. Essentially, it's about doing the right thing, even when it's hard. "...Then he suffered him." : This is the crucial part. Jesus did suffer this person – likely a demon or someone who was causing trouble. It demonstrates his power and authority. What does this all mean? Jesus’s suffering is a powerful symbol of his sacrifice for humanity. It means: He's willing to accept the challenge: He understands that sometimes we have to face difficult situations, even if they are painful. He’s setting himself apart: By suffering, he’s showing that he’s not just any person; he’s God incarnate – a divine being who is willing to endure hardship. It’s part of his plan: The Bible says Jesus's suffering was necessary for salvation and the coming of the Kingdom of God. In short, this verse tells us that Jesus understands the importance of righteousness and willingly accepts the challenge of living a life pleasing to God. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part in more detail? Give an example of what “righteousness” means? Discuss what this passage might be teaching about Jesus’s role in salvation?