“Jesus came from Galilee to John [the Baptist]

at the Jordan to be baptized by him.” (Matthew 3:13)

Unlike Jews in and around Jerusalem who had only a short distance to travel to reach the Jordan where John was baptizing, Jesus comes all the way from Nazareth [in Galilee]. It perplexes that Jesus embarks upon such a rugged trek from the north all the way to John in the wilderness of Judea.

Locals came in great numbers to see John, many hoping to catch a glimpse of something miraculous. In stark contrast to the sensational fervor seizing many, Jesus makes his way to John expressly to be baptized.

Arriving at the Jordan, Jesus lays aside His glory on the river’s bank and for the sake of humanity humbly chooses the chill of the muddy waters. Jesus permits John to baptize him so that He can entering into solidarity with us. In this way we witness the descent of God’s holiness to the level of humanity in order that humanity can be ignited by the fire of divine love.

Notice admiringly how loudly Jesus’ movement speaks.

The pithy explanation of St. Maximus the Confessor (+662) marvelously captures the God’s dramatic action and its enduring impact:

“Someone might ask, ‘Why would a holy man desire baptism?’ Listen to the answer: Christ is                   baptized, not to be made holy by the water, but to make the water holy, and by his cleansing to               purify the waters which he touched.”