In Matthew's account, John the Baptist's immediate reaction when Jesus came to be baptized was to_______
Answer Details
In Matthew's account, John the Baptist's immediate reaction when Jesus came to be baptized was to ask that Jesus should rather baptize him.
John the Baptist recognized Jesus as the Son of God and knew that he was not worthy to baptize Him. In Matthew 3:14-15, it says, "But John tried to deter him, saying, 'I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?' Jesus replied, 'Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.'"
By asking Jesus to baptize him instead, John was acknowledging the authority of Jesus and the superiority of His divine status. Jesus' response also shows that it was necessary for Him to be baptized to fulfill all righteousness, which was the plan of God.
Therefore, John's immediate reaction was to recognize and submit to Jesus' authority and to fulfill God's plan for righteousness.