Jesus Himself initiated His baptism by going to the Jordan River at the appointed time to begin His public ministry, insisting that John baptize Him in order to “fulfill all righteousness.” Though sinless, Jesus submitted to baptism to complete every requirement of obedience to the Father: fulfilling the initiatory ordinances of both the Old and New Covenants, being washed and anointed for ministry, presenting Himself as the spotless and acceptable Lamb, and fully identifying with the people He came to redeem. God demonstrated His acceptance of this act through unmistakable witnesses—the Holy Spirit descending and remaining upon Jesus, the Father’s audible declaration of pleasure, and the symbolism of the dove signaling new beginnings—establishing Jesus as the Son of God, inaugurating the New Covenant, and confirming that He came by water, Spirit, and blood to accomplish salvation.