St. John prepares the people for Jesus, and Jesus arrives and is baptized. It is so familiar that we run the risk of not seeing how amazing this story is. Firstly, John the Baptist has developed a big following and is an important spiritual leader, yet here he is telling the people that someone much greater than him is coming. How many other religious figures do you hear about who spend their time trying to get their own followers to switch to following someone else? Secondly, Jesus receives baptism at John’s hands. If Jesus was so much greater than John, why would He accept baptism from His cousin? In the act of this special baptism, we can see earth and heaven combine: John baptises with water, but the descent of the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove shows that Jesus really is anointed with the presence of the Holy Spirit. This is no ordinary baptism. Finally, God speaks directly to Jesus and the people. This is something that rarely happens in any of the books of the Bible. Here God the Father speaks to tell His Son, and all the people who are gathered, of His great love for Him, and that His favor rests on Him.
In Jesus’ baptism we have a clear image of the Holy Trinity acting together. Father, Son and Holy Spirit are united in an act of love and commitment. The baptism isn’t just a single event in isolation. The baptism of Jesus marks the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry. From this point on, everything Jesus does will be under public scrutiny. His journey will lead to His death and His resurrection. And it is fitting that Jesus is sent out on this new part of His life affirmed by His heavenly Father and filled with the presence of the Holy Spirit. What better send-off can we ever give our children than reminding them that they are loved and that their parents are proud of them? This is what our heavenly Father does. Filled with the Spirit and with the knowledge of His Father’s love, Jesus sets out on His mission.