Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan
Jesus announced that his hour had come to his brothers James and Jude. The three of them traveled to John the Baptist's camp and were baptized in the Jordan. A celestial voice was heard and Jesus retreated immediately to the hills for forty days.
Summary
John the Baptist engaged in an extensive campaign of preaching and baptizing throughout the year 25 CE. His fame had spread and his message of repentance and baptism was very popular throughout all Palestine. Jesus spoke favorably of John and his message and this inspired the Zebedee brothers – John and James – to present themselves to John for baptism. And they kept Jesus apprised of John’s evangelical activities. In January of 26 CE, Jesus’ brothers James and Jude, approached Jesus to discuss whether they should go to John for baptism, too. After a night of meditation and prayer, Jesus announced that his hour had come and told his brothers that the three of them would leave immediately for John’s encampment. At noon on Monday, January 14, 26 CE, Jesus, along with his brothers, was baptized in the Jordan River by John the Baptist. It was a momentous occasion during which the group of four men standing in the water – Jesus, James, Jude, and John the Baptist – experienced a celestial voice that said "This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased."