Matthew 3:13

Then cometh Jesus. [The Baptism, Matt. 3:13-17 = Mark 1:9-11 = Luke 3:21–23a. Major comment: Matthew and Luke. See Early Ministry and Baptism to First Passover; The Chronology of Luke, The Reigns of the Herods.] It was now the autumn of A.D. 27, and John the Baptist had, possibly, been preaching for about six months (see on Matt. 3:1). The autumn was the time of three important festivals: (1) Rosh Hashanah, or the festival of the blowing of the trumpets (see Vol. I, p. 709; see on Lev. 23:24; Num. 29:1); (2) Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement (see Vol. I, pp. 705, 706, 710; see on Ex. 30:10; Lev. 16); (3) the Feast of Tabernacles (see Vol. I, p. 710; see on Ex. 23:16; Lev. 23:34). At the third festival all males were expected to appear before the Lord at Jerusalem (Ex. 23:14-17). Inasmuch as the baptism of Christ occurred in the autumn, it is reasonable to think that it may have been in connection with His presence there at this festal season. The route frequently taken by Jews traveling between Galilee and Jerusalem lay through the Jordan valley (see on Luke 2:42), and if Jesus took this route in His journey to Jerusalem, He would pass close to where John was preaching and baptizing at Bethabara (Bethany Beyond Jordan) in Peraea, opposite Jericho (see John 1:28; DA 132; see on Matt. 3:1).

When Jesus heard of the message proclaimed by John He recognized His call (DA 109). This marked the close of His private life in Nazareth and the commencement of His three and a half years of public ministry, from the autumn of A.D. 27 to the spring of A.D. 31 (DA 233; cf. Acts 1:21, 22; 40>10:37-40). See The Chronology of Luke 3:1,2.

From Galilee to Jordan. See on Mark 1:9. The distance from the Lake of Galilee to the Dead Sea is about 64 mi. (102 km.).

To be baptized. Jesus had heard of John’s message while still in the carpenter shop at Nazareth (DA 109), and departed, never to return to take up His tasks there.