The Baptism of Jesus Christ is an incredibly important event in his life. When Jesus crossed the plain to find John, he was ready to begin his ministry. God had given him a mission. There was no turning back. The Mikveh ritual would have a specific purpose. Full immersion baptism would confirm the truth of his dedication.
****
27 A.D. Early Spring.
Author’s Note
Jesus has known for several years he has a special relationship with God. But thus far, he has been unable to make a verbal contact through prayer and meditation. Although he has been conscious of a connection, especially when God’s counsel flows through his mind, he has not had the conversation he wanted to have with his Father. He is thus elated when it occurs.
****
Jesus wanted to focus his attention on the spiritual health of his people. He knew he wanted to heal both spiritually and physically, but although he was welcome to preach in the local synagogue, he was unsure of what to do.
Then, on a lovely spring day, it happened. He was walking along the rocky shore of the Sea of Galilee, deep in thought. A playful breeze danced among the ripples of blue water. The delightful fragrance of spring flowers filled the air. Jesus was relaxed and happy. Suddenly an inspiration flooded through his consciousness. Thoughts flowed easily.
He became aware of a voice. “Jesus” it said.
Then again: “Jesus.... you and I are one. We are of the same mind.”
Jesus was filled with joy. It soared through his very being. He had finally made the connection he wanted with God.
“My God, My God.... Where are you?”
“Although you cannot see me, I am everywhere. The passing breeze, the rustling grass, you can hear me pass – I will speak to you everywhere.”
But will I ever see you?
“I can take any form I decide will best fulfill my needs at the moment. Sometimes to comfort those in pain, sometimes to teach a lesson, and sometimes to help; I may appear as human, an animal, a sunset, or a flower. You will see me in due time, I promise.”
What do you want me to do? Just tell me and I will do it.
“For now, I just want you to know I will be at your side on the journey that is to come.”
Is Sarah with you?
Of course, she loves you as I do.
Jesus was filled with the love of the God he wanted to serve and the woman who would be with him forever.
Now what?
“You want to become a healer and a teacher. To that I will add a prophet who will carry my message to all who will listen. Focus on where you are going with your life, Jesus. Close your shop and go to your mother.”
Because he wasn’t looking where he was walking, Jesus tripped over a stone.... and his connection with God dissolved.
****
John sat down on the bank of the Jordan River to rest. It had been a good day. Of the 23 people who forged the river on their way to Judea or the Decapolis, six had stopped long enough to hear him speak and be baptized. In fact, two had come all the way from Jerusalem to be baptized in the Jordan. John was about to lean back against a tree when out of nowhere he saw a man approaching him. Puzzled, John sat upright and then stood up. With his medium build, greying hair, and rumpled appearance, the man’s demeanor appeared to be friendly enough.
“Hello, John,” he said “peace be with you.”
“And to you,” John replied “how did you know my name?”
“My name is Micah; I am the angel of God’s divine plan.”
John was stunned, but he had no doubts. Instead, he was filled with joy. Something inside him urged John to listen to Micah.
“I have heard your name.”
Micah sat wearily down beside John, looking as though he carried the weight of all creation on his shoulders. He spoke softly, but with authority.
“Your friend Jesus is the one,” he said “he is the perfection of God in the flesh of a man. Heed his words. God will give him a message to deliver to the people of Israel.... and to the world.”
John was incredulous. God had instructed him to accompany Jesus to Alexandria. He had become friends with Jesus and he certainly respected him, but was his friend really the one.... the Messiah?
Micah knew and understood John’s thoughts. “Yes, he is the one.... and in time you will be given the task of announcing who he really is.”
Exhibiting the aches and pains of age, Micah slowly got up and turned to John.
“Now you know who he is. Keep it to yourself until Jesus comes to you.”
“He will come to me?” John was astonished.
“Before the summer has passed.”
Then, he made a circle motion with his hand, and vanished.
****
27 A.D. May.
Jesus followed God’s instructions. Without saying a word to anyone about his conversation, he closed up his shop, said goodbye to his friends, and left for Nazareth. Mary, by some means unknown to him, knew he was coming. Upon his arrival, she told him to wash, and then gave him something to eat. After he finished, Mary sat down in the big room with Jesus, face to face.
“And so now you know,” she said with an earnest look on her face “the things Joseph and I told you are true. You are both a man and the perfection of God. While you were in my womb, God made sure you were perfect in his image.”
Jesus was humbled by her words. In ways he could not understand Jesus knew God was somehow his father, just like Joseph. His thoughts echoed through his mind for several moments. Then he looked at his mother.
“What do I do now?”
A loving Mary smiled with a mother’s compassion.
“God will give you a message. Learn it well. Think about how you will teach his message to others. This process will take some time. I believe it is important for you to visit with the Essenes in Qumran. They will help you to meditate, to reason, and to establish a flowing connection with God.”
****
Author’s Note
My narrative, in order to preserve the 40 days and 40 nights described in Matthew, conveys the idea that Jesus left for the desert in late May 27 A.D. It is, however, more likely he left much earlier in 27 A.D. in order to discuss and formulate his ideas with the Essenes. During this period, Jesus reviewed all he knew about traditional Jewish law, rejected some of it, revised some of it, and added his own new ideas to the theology and philosophy he would teach to all who would listen. During this period of reflection, he also firmed up the strategy for his ministry.... including why and how he would recruit 12 Apostles.
This creative and thoughtful effort did not just happen, it took a lot of careful contemplation.
****
27 A.D. Late May.
After giving his mother a long warm embrace, Jesus left Nazareth for the Essene communal structures of Qumran. He walked into the Judean desert and arrived at Qumran on June 14. As his mother had promised, he was welcomed by all those he met there. He soon became familiar with the sacraments, including the ritual baths. They helped him to meditate, to think positive thoughts, and to reject negative evil ideas. He was soon able to establish a conscious connection with God whenever he, or God, wanted to have a conversation.
****
But he also had dreams. Sometimes they were powerful dreams that frightened him. He was always the victim. He desperately wanted to escape from his dream, but could not. In one dream a man he did not recognize came to him; a thin man with a long beard and intense evil eyes.
“Jesus”, he said. “Come with me.” And in his dream Jesus was swept into a tent on the desert. Maidens danced almost naked in a circle around him. There was food and wine, more than he had ever seen at a feast. “Let me guide your life, Jesus. Let me show you the pleasures of life forever,” the man said over the noise of the music, “you will always be satisfied. Just follow me.”
Jesus was tempted. The maidens were very beautiful and lustfully captivating. The food looked delicious. Jesus was suddenly very hungry.
But he fought off the temptation and spoke with determination in his dream. “This is not the world of my father!”
Jesus immediately awakened; his entire body was hot with sweat.
In a second dream, the man came to him again. “Jesus,” he said. Come with me.” And Jesus was taken to the rooftop of the Temple in Jerusalem. The man swept his hand over the city and countryside. “You can have the riches of this city and far beyond. You will be the richest man on earth! You will possess gold, jewels, palaces, and even cities. Just follow me.”
Jesus was tempted. He made a good income, enough for his needs, and certainly more than most of his peers. But he had never been rich. And like everyone else, he had suffered through the famine that crept over Israel when the dry land was barren of food.
But he fought off the temptation and spoke with determination. “This is not the way of my father!”
Jesus immediately awakened; his entire body ached in pain.
In a third dream, the man again came to him. “Jesus,” he said.” Come with me.” And Jesus was swept up to the top of a mountain.
“You are strong Jesus,” the man said “and you can be stronger. You can be the king of all you can see, from Syria to Egypt, from the Decapolis to the Sea. You will become the mighty warrior Messiah who banishes the Romans from all Israel. Just follow me.”
Jesus felt a sense of euphoria. He could be the Messiah his people had dreamed about for so long!
But he fought off the temptation and spoke with determination. “This is not the message of my father!”
Jesus immediately awakened; his entire body shivered in the cold night air.
****
He made friends with an old priest who had been banned from Jerusalem because of his radical beliefs. The priest guided his thinking, reinforced his knowledge of various plants and minerals, and helped Jesus to understand the physical properties of the immune system. In his conversations with the old priest, Jesus learned why spiritual healing is just as important as physical healing.
“I have thoughts and dreams,” Jesus told the old priest “Sometimes when I dream I have unstoppable power over all I can see. I am invincible; a mighty King. But there is always death and fear all around me. I am powerful but afraid.”
“We are good and evil,” said the old priest “our dreams are a reflection of the conflict within our soul between wanting to help and wanting to dominate.”
“How do I know the difference?”
“That which is good in the eyes of the Lord is always constructive, positive and compassionate. Evil is bad because it is always destructive, negative and heartless. We become confused because to be good one must also understand what is bad. That is why you must continue to develop good judgement; always focus on the ultimate truth of what you are doing.”
“Where does evil reside?”
The old priest frowned, he was very sad ... “Within our mind, we make our own hell.”
****
By late July Jesus was thoroughly proficient in the message he was to deliver. But he still had some doubts. The old priest understood it was time for a final conversation with God before Jesus assumed the responsibilities of his ministry. He encouraged Jesus to join him in meditation. They went to the top of a cliff that overlooked the valley and the Dead Sea. After a brief prayer, he left Jesus alone.
Jesus had learned how to make a conscious connection with God. As the old Priest made his way back toward the Essene settlement, he once again easily connected with the presence he had come to trust.
“You are ready,” God said. “Do you have any questions I can answer?”
“Why me?” Asked Jesus. “I am but a man of no consequence. … I am but a carpenter and a mason by trade.”
“Jesus, your entire life has been one of preparation. Of all the people in the world, you are the one who has the best understanding of my message. Whatever experiences you have had: the cry of a baby, the love of a woman, the friendship of men, the joy of living, or the pain of great sorrow; these things have made you conscious of all that is Holy. You have a very deep love for all life: human, animal, …. even for the birds that fly, the fish that swim and plants that reach for the sky. Because you feel all these things very deeply, those who hear your voice will feel your love. They will share your love and respect your message. That has always been my objective. It is why I created you to live on this earth for 30 years. Jesus, you are ready. You know the law, you know my message, and even more important, you sense all of these things with your heart, your mind, and your very being.”
Jesus was visibly shaken. .. “I am humbled by your thoughts.”
Jesus looked up to the heavens. His mind raced over the meaning of what God had said to him.
“What do you want me to do?” He asked. “Just tell me.”
“I am going to trust you with a great mission. For hundreds of years I have inspired individual men and women with my counsel. I have selected you to bring my message to all humanity.”
“But how can I expect to do the things those who came before me have not done?”
“I will be at your side throughout your ministry. When you speak, it will be what I have taught you. When you need inspiration, I will inspire you. When you need logic, I will counsel you. If you need to perform a miracle, just ask in my name and it shall be done.... We shall do this mission together. I will never leave your side.”
Jesus was overwhelmed by a sense of conviction, joy, and determination. He looked around to be sure no unseen man was trying to make a fool of him by saying things to him from a place of hiding. But he quickly dispelled the thought and was ashamed of his doubt. He knew deep down in the consciousness of his heart he was having a very real conversation with the God he loved.
Then a thought came into his mind.
“But am I a man or a God?” Jesus asked.
“You are, and will be, a man with free will until you join with me in heaven. I expect you will have all the strengths and weaknesses of a human. But you are on a mission to carry my message to humanity. I trust your judgement, your conviction, and your love for those around you.”
“And when I ascend into your Kingdom?”
“We shall become one.”
Another pause: Jesus looked wistfully over the valley.
“What shall I call you?”
There was a pause, and then God replied:
“Father… It is a familiar and natural name for one who goes before you.”
Another pause: Then God said:
“And I will call you son. That too is a familiar name for someone whom I love.”
“Am I your son?”
God spoke with the love of a father. “Yes, my beloved son...”
****
Jesus had been with the Essenes for forty days and forty nights.
On his last morning in the compound he washed, ate a light breakfast, and said goodbye to his friends. Jesus felt invigorated and eager to start his journey. The old priest joined with him for the short walk to the place where he had his conversations with God. “Where are you going?” he asked.
“I am going to find John the Baptist. He is near the Jordan River. I will ask him to formalize the start of my ministry with a baptism of dedication. It will confirm my commitment to the task God has given me.”
Jesus smiled at the old man, gently shook his hand, and turned to walk down the path to the road that would take him across the valley to the Jordan River. The old priest called after him.
“Jesus: who is your shepherd?”
Looking up to the blue sky of a beautiful morning, the air fresh and clean, Jesus looked back at the priest and gave his response. The words and images flowed into his consciousness from a spiritual source.
The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want.
He encourages me to lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside the still waters.
He restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I fear no evil, for He is with me;
His rod and staff comfort me.
He prepares a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
He anoints my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and loving kindness will follow me all the days of my life,
And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
****
Author’s Note
John the Baptist was a priest - because he was the son of Zechariah - and he had a legal right to perform the rite of Mikveh. In first century Judaism certain human discharges, animal parts and any blood were considered unclean. The purpose of immersion was, and still is, to ritually wash them away to achieve spiritual purity.
John the Baptist was at Bethany (Bayt ‘Anya) on the eastern side of the Jordan River (Bethany beyond the Jordan). It is likely the Jordan River was considered unclean for baptism because there was silt in the water. However, clean, pure water was available from springs and tributaries that ran into the Jordan. From one of these John was able to create a Mikveh basin (pond) where he could perform the ritual. For Jesus and many others it took the form of Tevilah (full body immersion).
John’s use of full immersion as a means of washing away the past and starting a new future suggests that at some point he was influenced by the Hindu ritual of full immersion. It is not necessarily a ritual of cleanliness. Instead, he apparently used it to separate a person’s past from the life they would lead in the future. Old sins are washed away and we are free to begin a new life without the burden of our past mistakes.
Jesus understood the significance of John’s beliefs. When Jesus crossed the plain to find John, he was ready to begin his ministry. God had given him a mission. There was no turning back. The Mikveh ritual would have a specific purpose. Full immersion baptism would confirm the truth of his dedication.
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Gabriel’s Message
John was baptizing on the east bank of the Jordan River where the road from Jerusalem and Jericho crosses into the lands of Peraea. The location of the river has changed over the last 2000 years and the site is now called Bethany Beyond the Jordan. When Jesus went to see John, he had been preaching and baptizing for about a year.
John’s reputation had spread all the way to Jerusalem in the west, Philadelphia in the east, Qumran in the south, and Capernaum in the north. He often delivered an apoplectic message, challenging his congregation to consider all they had done that was sinful, and urging them to repent. Some of those who heard him speak began to wonder if he was the true Messiah. Even the priests in Jerusalem became alarmed that John might be able to overturn their authority. But to all of them, John had the same answer:
“When you come to me for repentance, I will baptize you with the waters of the Jordan. But one who is more powerful than I is coming, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit. He will separate the wheat from the chaff–and the chaff will burn in a never-ending fire.”
****
It had been a busy morning for John and he was pleased that twelve travelers had volunteered to be baptized. He was feeling compassionate. In his message he had even encouraged his listeners to be kind to tax collectors. The road was now empty and John decided to have something to eat. Resting under a tree, eating his lunch of bread and dried fruits, he noticed a man coming toward him from the direction of Jericho. The man drew closer. John felt compelled to get up to greet the stranger. The man motioned for him to remain under the tree and - after a brief handshake - sat down beside him.
“Do you know who I am?” the man asked.
“I believe I should know you,” John answered.
“I am Gabriel, the angel who told your parents about your conception and announced the birth of Jesus to several people.”
“My mother Elizabeth told me about your message, and your punishment of Zechariah for his lack of faith. I should know you for your deeds.... I thank you for giving my father his voice. ”
“Your father was a good man, John. He was just a little suspicious of my message. As soon as he believed, I let him speak again.”
John felt a little uncertain. “And what are you going to tell me?”
“I have good news.... God urged you to go north to find Jesus, did he not?”
“Yes. I found him in Bethsaida.”
“And you accompanied him on his travels?”
“Yes. His wife had just passed away. He was lost and depressed, so I encouraged him to travel. As it happened, he wanted to learn about other cultures, other philosophies and more about how to heal. So we went to Alexandria where he could receive the best education.”
“Micah and I want to thank you for your service–and so does God...” Gabriel paused to adjust his place under the tree.
“We have another task for you.”
John was not surprised. He had been thinking of Jesus and was sure his friend would soon be ready to start his own ministry as a preacher and healer in Galilee.
“How can I help?”
“As Micah has told you, Jesus has become the man you have been expecting. Jesus is the Messiah. He has made a conscious connection with God. He now calls God his father. God calls Jesus his son. God has given Jesus a mission. He is to deliver God’s message to all who will listen. Jesus is ready. He will come to you to be baptized. It will be a baptism of dedication to his ministry.”
John was stunned. Gabriel’s words were far more important than anything he could have anticipated. All he imagined was happening. All his prayers had been answered. He was overwhelmed with the realization his friend.... his friend Jesus is the son of God!
“This is glorious. I knew my friend was an exceptional man. On our trip to Alexandria I believe he was able to project the power of God on several occasions.... And now I know he really is the one we have been waiting for.... And to think I was able.... I was able to help him make the transition.... I am humbled by your words.... When is he coming?”
“Late this afternoon. Complete the baptism and encourage your disciples to follow him.”
“That will not be difficult. Andrew, Simon and Philip are looking for a leader who will take them on a spiritual quest. They are here – but of course you already know that.”
“You don’t mind encouraging them to follow Jesus?”
“If Jesus is the son of God, then they must follow him!” John responded with conviction.
“Then may God bless your efforts.”
Gabriel stood up, gave John a benevolent smile, and vanished.
****
27 A.D. July Jesus Finds John
Jesus was in his 30th year and would turn 31 in late fall. As he walked across the plain toward the Jordan River, God’s final words echoed in his mind: “Jesus It is Time. Now is the hour for you to begin your ministry. You have been well prepared to deliver my message.”
It was a very solemn moment. Jesus wanted to mark the beginning of his ministry with a baptism of dedication to God’s mission. He was determined to find his friend, a man people called “John the Baptist”.
The angel Micah guided his journey. He traveled north east and soon found the road from Jerusalem to the Jordan River. He turned east and within an hour he was at the edge of the river. On the eastern bank stood an angular and very thin man, preaching with energetic passion to a group of maybe 50 people. Jesus smiled to himself. He had found his friend.
Rather than call out to John, Jesus decided to cross the river to mingle with the informal congregation. John was so focused on his message he did not see Jesus.
John was earnestly calling to the people assembled on the river shore.
“What are you waiting for? Do not be sad because you are caught up by the treachery of your sins.... Repent! Those who genuinely repent their transgressions can start over again.... Start a new life! Baptism will set you free. Arise and wash away your sins!”
A large burly man pushed his way through the crowd and came down to the edge of the water. Jesus noticed the strap marks on his right shoulder were like those made by the sword sheath of a Roman Centurion. He had three scars from cuts that had not healed well on his arms.
“I am ready to be baptized,” he said firmly.
John looked at the man and without any hesitation asked “Are you sure you have truly repented your sins?”
The man looked at John sadly and replied “There are too many sins to tell in seven days. I wish to put them behind me. I need to change my life. I want to be friends with your God.”
John motioned for the man to come into the pool with him. He grasped the man’s hand warmly.
“You can be friends with my God and our God. If you are sincere, he will set you free from your past.”
“I am ready,” the man replied “to have my sins washed away.”
He stepped closer to John and looked earnestly into John’s eyes.
“Help me to start a new life”
John took the man by the arm, placed one hand under the man’s back and grasped the man’s forearm with his other hand. He lowered the man into the water and as it washed over the man’s face he prayed:
“I command you to caste away your past life and all its sins.... Let the refreshing water of life give you a new beginning.... Today you are free.... The spirit of God’s love is with you Centurion.”
Then he brought the man out of the water and helped him to stand up. The man was astonished by the experience. He was jubilant. He was obviously grateful for John’s baptism. He smiled at John.
“Thank you... thank you for who you are.”
He turned and called out to the crowd: “I am what I believe.... free.... free from the past which I came to hate.... free to start again.”
He staggered up from the water onto the shore. The crowd made a path for him as he walked away toward the road. When he passed Jesus he suddenly stopped, turned, and looked at him intently.
“Teacher,” he said quietly, and walked on.
****
Yona, a woman whose name in Hebrew means dove, was prompted by some unknown force to find Jesus among the people standing on the river bank. When she found him, she instinctively knew what to do. Yona took him by the hand and walked with him to where John was standing. John was stunned, delighted, joyful, and full of compassion - all at the same time.
“Jesus! You have arrived!”
John embraced Jesus with an emotional hug. Then he abruptly backed away, somewhat awestruck. This, he thought, is the Messiah! John turned to his audience.
“I have been a voice calling in the desert.... I have seen and I testify that this is the son of God. Make straight the way for the Lord!”
But then John was so excited he could not, for a moment, think of anything else to say. Jesus came to his rescue.
“I have come to be baptized in the name of God by the one man who knows why my baptism is important.”
But John protested. “It is I who should be asking to be baptized.... You are closer to God.”
“No John. Remember our conversations about baptism. Mine will be a baptism of dedication and commitment to my mission… You know how to give birth to my future.”
John could only stare at his friend for a moment, then energized by the words of Jesus he jumped back, excitedly waved his arms to the people standing on the bank of the Jordan, and said “we shall all witness the baptism of God’s messenger!”
John took his friend’s left hand and started into the pool. The people on the shore whispered among themselves. Who is this man? Why is John the Baptist so excited about baptizing him?
John ignored their whispers. He led Jesus into water about four feet deep, placed one hand under his friend’s back and used his other hand to hold Jesus by the shoulder. He carefully immersed Jesus in the water, and said a short prayer:
“Dear Jesus, this is the moment for which you have been created. Bless your commitment to God and your dedication to the task that lies ahead. May the Lord bless you and keep you safe.... Amen.”
John raised Jesus out of the water. As he did so, the people on the river bank, energized by an excitement they would never be able to explain, began to clap with enthusiasm. Then a very loud voice came from somewhere above:
“This is my son, in whom I am well pleased.”
Those words would echo all over Israel – and beyond.
And so it was.
Baptism washed away Jesus the man. As he is raised up, Jesus the Son of God is revealed.
****
And so it begins.
A ministry that will change history.
Ron
Text from my novel about the life of Jesus Christ “Am I Your Son?”
Available on Amazon
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