Today's story about John baptising Jesus can be found in the Gospel of Mark, chapter 1 verses 4-11.
Jesus has been growing up and learning about God. Now he has three years of work to do.
The River Jordan runs from the Sea of Galilee southwards to the Dead Sea. This event took place at the southern end of this stretch of river. John the Baptist had been telling people to repent of their sins and be baptised in order to be forgiven. It was near to Jerusalem and people were coming from all around. Jesus came there from the area of Galilee where Nazareth was situated.
In the story, there are many links with the old testament:
(1) The River Jordan was crossed by the Israelites as they entered the land God had promised them, see Joshua chapter 3
(2) John was wearing camel's hair and a leather belt.
This was what made Elijah recognisable, see 2 Kings chapter 1
(3) John was eating locusts and wild honey.
These were declared clean by God, see Leviticus chapter 11
(4) At the Baptism, the Holy Spirit came down like a dove.
Noah sent out the dove to tell whether the waters had gone down, see Genesis chapter 8
(5) Jesus is described by God as His Beloved.
Just like Abraham and his son Isaac, see Genesis chapter 22
(6) God said he was "well pleased" with Jesus.
Isaiah prophesied using this phrase in Isaiah chapter 42
So what about us. As we start this new year of 2012, God may have things He wants us to do. We must say sorry for all that has gone wrong in the past; accept his forgiveness and make that fresh start, listening for God's leading as to what we should be doing. John is pointing us to Jesus and we have the Holy Spirit, who will guide and help us.
