baptism of christ

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baptism of christ - Easton's 1897 Bible Dictionary :

  Baptism of Christ
  Christ had to be formally inaugurated into the public discharge
  of his offices. For this purpose he came to John, who was the
  representative of the law and the prophets, that by him he might
  be introduced into his offices, and thus be publicly recognized
  as the Messiah of whose coming the prophecies and types had for
  many ages borne witness.
  
    John refused at first to confer his baptism on Christ, for he
  understood not what he had to do with the "baptism of
  repentance." But Christ said, "'Suffer it to be so now,' NOW as
  suited to my state of humiliation, my state as a substitute in
  the room of sinners." His reception of baptism was not necessary
  on his own account. It was a voluntary act, the same as his act
  of becoming incarnate. Yet if the work he had engaged to
  accomplish was to be completed, then it became him to take on
  him the likeness of a sinner, and to fulfil all righteousness
  (Matt. 3:15).
  
    The official duty of Christ and the sinless person of Christ
  are to be distinguished. It was in his official capacity that he
  submitted to baptism. In coming to John our Lord virtually said,
  "Though sinless, and without any personal taint, yet in my
  public or official capacity as the Sent of God, I stand in the
  room of many, and bring with me the sin of the world, for which
  I am the propitiation." Christ was not made under the law on his
  own account. It was as surety of his people, a position which he
  spontaneously assumed. The administration of the rite of baptism
  was also a symbol of the baptism of suffering before him in this
  official capacity (Luke 12:50). In thus presenting himself he in
  effect dedicated or consecrated himself to the work of
  fulfilling all righteousness.