Chapter 3:13-17 The Baptism of Jesus

13 Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him.
It seemed very strange that John, the servant, should be required to baptize Jesus, the Master.

It may reasonably be inquired what should be Christ's view in desiring to be baptized; 

---it could not be to take away original or actual sin, since he had neither; nor has baptism any such efficacy to do this, in those who have either or both: 

---but, it was to show His approbation of John's baptism, 

---and to bear a testimony of it, that it was from heaven; 

---and also that He Himself might receive a testimony both from heaven, and from John, that He was the Son of God and true Messiah, before He entered upon His public ministry,
The fulness of time was come that Christ should enter upon His prophetical office; and He chooses to do it, not at Jerusalem but there where John was baptizing; ....to whom alone He would be welcome.

14 But John forbad Him, saying, I have need to be baptized of Thee, and comest Thou to me?
But John forbad Him, saying, - It appears from hence, that John knew Christ before he baptized Him, and before he saw the Spirit descending and abiding on Him.

15 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.

It was an instance of Christ's great humility, that He would offer Himself to be baptized of John; that He who knew no sin would submit to the baptism of repentance.

That is to say the Teacher must Himself obey the laws, which He is about to lay down; and inasmuch as He is going to bid others to be baptized, He will set the example, and be Himself baptized.

16 And Jesus, when He was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon Him:

He saw the Spirit of God descended, and lighted on Him - 

In the beginning of the old world, 

the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters,

hovered as a bird upon the nest.

And Jesus, when He was baptized - Christ, when He was baptized by John in the river Jordan, the place where he was baptizing,
went up straightway out of the water. 

---One would be at a loss at first sight for a reason why the Evangelist should relate this circumstance; for after the ordinance was administered, 

Q: why should He stay in the water? 

Q: what should He do there? 

---Everyone would naturally and reasonably conclude, without the mention of such a circumstance, that as soon as his baptism was over, He would immediately come up out of the water. 

---However, we learn this from it, that since it is said, that He came up out of the water, He must first have gone down into it; must have been in it, and was baptized in it; 

-*-*-a circumstance strongly in favor of baptism by immersion.

17 And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

In whom I am well pleased - Εν ω ενδακησα in whom I have delighted. He is My beloved Son, not only with whom, but in whom, I am well pleased. 

He is pleased with all that are in Him, and are united to Him by faith.