The Baptism of Jesus

At around the age of thirty, Jesus began His public ministry. His cousin, John the Baptist, had been preaching in the wilderness, calling people to repentance and baptizing them in the Jordan River. John proclaimed, "Prepare the way of the Lord," fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah that a voice would cry out in the wilderness, preparing the people for the coming Messiah.

John was a fiery preacher, wearing camel-hair clothing and eating locusts and wild honey. His message was one of urgent repentance: "Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!" Many came to him, confessing their sins and being baptized in the Jordan River. The Pharisees and Sadducees, however, were skeptical, questioning his authority.

One day, Jesus arrived at the Jordan River to be baptized. John recognized Him and was reluctant, saying, "I need to be baptized by You, and yet You come to me?" But Jesus insisted, "Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness."

As Jesus was baptized, the heavens opened, and the Holy Spirit descended like a dove upon Him. A voice from heaven declared, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." This divine affirmation publicly confirmed Jesus as the Son of God and marked the beginning of His ministry.