Each of the four gospels approaches the baptism of Jesus in a different manner. Each has its own emphasis on how to describe this event which is so important to the church. Matthew, in the third chapter of his gospel, includes a discussion between John and Jesus over who should baptize whom. Mark sticks to the facts that Jesus came to John at the Jordan and, as He was coming up out of the water, saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending, and heard the voice claiming Jesus as God’s Son. John’s remarks are more a statement of a past event as John the Baptizer tells of the Spirit descending on Jesus. As we heard in today’s reading, Luke presents the baptism with very little detail, but with some unique points.
