John's usage of the term "baptized", in the above quote, adds yet another medium into which one can be "baptized" (immersed). John says, "I have need to be 'baptized' of thee", John was expressing his need to surrender himself to the saving power of Jesus and to be included in the saving sacrifice of Christ, knowing that the water baptisms he administered were insufficient to eternal salvation.
In this application, the term "baptized" defines a means by which one can be, rescued, saved or redeemed. It is obvious that John was NOT implying that Jesus immerse him in water, Jesus did NOT "baptize" in water, he was requesting to be immersed into the soul saving sanctity of Jesus Himself. John was requesting that he be included in the saving "baptism" that Jesus referred to in Luke 12:50, "But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished!" The "baptism" Jesus refers to, in this quote, is to His death, burial, resurrection and ascension.
I included verse 15, "And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfill all righteousness.", to further establish the truth of yesterday's lesson in that Jesus, being a Jew, was required under commandment from God to be ritually immersed into water so as to fulfill "all righteousness" in preparation for His testimony and eventual soul saving sacrifice.~
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