At first John did not recognize Jesus.

Sunday, 1/19/13

As our wide St. John’s River silently flows by its mistiness is like a spiritual reality. The Jordan was  misty like that on the morning when John the Baptist pointed to Jesus passing on the shore. He called out, “Behold the Lamb of God!”

Waist deep in the river John had a great laugh at the irony of it all. Here, even though he had given his whole to making Jesus known, when Jesus waded out to him he had not recognized him.

“I did not know him, though the reason I came baptizing with water was that he might be made known to Israel. Still. I did not know him.”

John went on to say, “The one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘On whomever you see the Spirit come down and remain he is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.” 

We could change a three words in a country song to turn it into John the Baptist's account of baptizing Jesus.

When Jesus went down
To the waters that day

I baptized him                                                

In my usual way

And when it was done
God blessed His son
He sent him His love
On the wings of a dove

On the wings of a snow-white dove

He sends His pure sweet love

A sign from above

On the wings of a dove