Jesus began his public ministry in a crowd that surrounded John the Baptist, at the Jordan. John was a fiery young preacher who attracted the crowds. He told people what they had to do as well as what they had to be.

When John emerged from the desert preaching repentance and baptism, the people flocked to the Jordan to be baptized. He was baptizing everyone who would change their ways. Jesus stepped forward to be baptized. Why would the sinless One be baptized?

Jesus was there to provide the fullness of salvation John preached. He came to identify with the new gospel of salvation for all people -- Jew and Gentile. He is the One who will separate the wheat from the chaff. The One who will baptize with the Holy Spirit. Jesus Christ is the new beginning… He is salvation.

Look carefully at …