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Jesus'
Baptism When Jesus grew to be a man, he knew that it was time for him to leave home and begin teaching other people. He went to the Jordan River to be baptized by his cousin John. John was preaching and
baptizing when he saw Jesus coming toward him. "Here is the one I have been
telling people about," John thought. As Jesus drew near, John realized what was happening. "He is coming to be baptized!" John whispered to himself. "Oh no – it can’t be!" "Please," John said to Jesus, "I am not worthy. I should be baptized by you, not you by me!" But Jesus had a greater understanding than John. He knew that this was all part of God’s plan. "Baptize me now – it must be done to fulfill everything that is supposed to happen." "Of course I will do as you wish," John said. As soon as Jesus came up from the water, the heavens opened and God’s Spirit came down like a dove and landed on Jesus’ shoulder. Then a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son. I love him and I am pleased with him." Then the Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness. He ate no food for forty days and nights. Satan came and tempted Jesus, but Jesus refused to do what God’s law said was wrong. Finally, Satan left him alone, and angels came and took care of Jesus. Then he returned to Galilee.
(From Classic Bible
Stories, A Family Treasury retold by Lise Caldwell (c) 1998 Standard
Publishing. Used by permission. This book may be purchased at your local
Christian Bookstore or from Standard Publishing (800-543-1301).
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