While all the gospels record the event of Jesus' baptism, each does so with an eye turned toward the specific community and situation the gospel writer is addressing. Thus, while there are tremendous similarities between all four versions of the Baptism, there are also subtle and theologically important differences.

Not surprisingly, John's gospel gives us the most unique perspective on Jesus' baptism. Here, John the Baptist is actually the central character throughout the active record. The magnificent prologue that opens the gospel of John introduces John the Baptist to readers with a pedigree beyond that of any other man. Verse 6 declares, "There was a man sent from God" - a statement perhaps better rendered as "sent from the side of God." John the Baptist, though human born, was a divi…