Jesus insists on being baptized (Matthew 3:15)

John testified saying, “I have seen the Spirit descending as a dove out of heaven, and He remained upon Him. I did not recognize Him, but He who sent me to baptize in water said to me, ‘He upon whom you see the Spirit descending and remaining upon Him, this is the One who baptizes in the Holy Spirit.’” (NASB) John 1:32-33

This passage reveals that John the Baptist did not know that Jesus was the Messiah until after Jesus had been baptized and the Holy Spirit had descended upon Him. So - why did John say, “I have need to be baptized by You . . .”? Since John and Jesus were relatives, John most likely knew about Jesus’ life. Even though Jesus lived up in Galilee and John lived in the southern part of Palestine, the family members probably passed along stories about Jesus. The event in Jerusalem with the teachers in the temple court was most likely well known by at least the Levites and priests. Jesus’ conduct as a sinless, perfect child was also probably well known within the family, among the relatives, and maybe in the community of Israel. Somehow John knew that Jesus was very unusual. Somehow John knew that Jesus was a holy man, but he might not have known that Jesus was sinless (Heb. 4:14-15).

But Jesus answering said to him, “Permit it at this time; for in this way it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he permitted Him. (NASB) Matt. 3:15