What is the answer to the question why was Jesus baptized? I think the primary reason is given right here. The Lord Jesus said it is essential “for the fulfillment of righteousness.” He is identifying Himself here completely with sinful mankind. The prophet had written, “He was numbered with the transgressors.” Here is a king that comes down, and He’s identified with His subjects. And I believe that that is the purpose of the baptism of the Lord Jesus, for the baptism means actually “identification.” And this is the coming down and identifying of Himself here with them.