The unwritten story of the relationship between John the Baptist and Jesus Christ fascinates me. They were cousins, approximately the same age, and lived a travelable distance from each other growing up. Zacharias, John’s father, who as a priest would have worked and taught in the temple. Was Zacharias in the temple when Jesus, as a boy, taught and asked questions there? Both families were faithful in observing the law of Moses. Would they have travelled together to the Passover feasts? Shared Sabbath day meals? How much they interacted with each other during their childhoods is lost to history, but the scriptures give small inclinations that at a minimum John knew Jesus and knew him to be a righteous person.
In Matthew 3:14 when Jesus came to John to be baptized, it says “But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?” John was a humble servant of God and baptized people unto repentance, but in Jesus he saw no need for such repentance. Jesus, teaching or reminding John that baptism fulfills two requirements, responds in verse 15: “And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness.”.
Faithful and obedient John does indeed then baptize Jesus. Just imagine how special an experience this must have been for John! There standing in the Jordan river, the heavens open, John sees the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting upon Jesus! Imagine John’s tears as he hears the voice of our Heavenly Father declare “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased”!
I’d like to think that John and Jesus shared a hug at this moment, as cousins, friends, and missionaries. John’s testimony of Jesus as the Son of God was solidified that day. John would go on to give his life for this testimony. His example of boldly preaching the gospel even in the face of adversity has always been an inspiration to me.
As disciples of Jesus Christ and teachers of His gospel, may we stand with John to proclaim Jesus as the Son of God, Redeemer of the world, and Savior of mankind. I testify with all my heart that Jesus is the Christ, my Savior, my Redeemer, and my friend. Come follow Him!
