“Repent” was a common concept in the Roman Empire. Often a herald would enter a fringe town on the edge of rebellion and beckon them to “change their minds” or “repent.” The ideal was for the town to stop rebelling, begin to understand what was imminent and to become Roman. John the Baptist is calling for a similar mindset. The kingdom of heaven was close (Jesus) and called for a new mindset as well as a new lifestyle to be close to the new king. It meant a new mindset and a new way of life. Does repentance mean the same today? Why or why not?

Jesus’ baptism was different than all the others. “Fulfilling all righteousness” seems to be more to refer to Jesus’ response to obedience to the Father rather than a need for Him to become righteous. Read about it here. The dove falling and the voice confirm that Jesus is who He says He is.