River Jordan 5:00 p.m. Local Time
I’m standing again on the banks of the Jordan, where it has been reported, by myself and others, that John the Baptist has just endorsed the candidacy of newcomer Jesus. The endorsement came after Jesus participated in a seemingly routine river baptism that soon became anything but.
Initial eyewitness accounts indicate a short conversation between John and Jesus prior to the baptism, but there is some disagreement over what exactly was said. There did seem to be some hesitancy on John’s part, but he went ahead with the baptism.
This is where things get interesting, folks. I’ve heard reports of thunder, voices from Heaven, and a bird appearing out of nowhere the moment Jesus arose from the water. Most accounts agree that the bird was indeed a dove. The significance of the dove is evident to scholars of the Great Flood and its aftermath, when the dove--not this dove, but no doubt an ancestor of this dove--stepped up and accomplished what no simple raven was able to do: bringing olive leaves back to Noah. Doves have since that time been considered symbols of life, and the promise of peace.
Scoffers have accused John of rigging the event, saying, and I quote, “we don’t care about John and his trained birds.”
The endorsement did not come as a surprise to all. One local shepherd was spreading charges of nepotism, having been heard to say, “Of course he’s going to endorse him, they’re cousins!”
The familial connection has since been confirmed, but that doesn’t seem to have lessened the impact of the Baptist’s endorsement of the man many consider to be touched by Elijah. It was long thought that John might be a contender for Messiah himself, and like many candidates, he denied it enough to make people believe he meant to run. Unlike the other candidates, John is sticking to his word.
We have not yet heard the reaction from the Roman Party, but none is expected, as the Romans have always been known more by their actions than their words.
Jonah Ammitai, Good News Weekly, reporting.
I’m standing again on the banks of the Jordan, where it has been reported, by myself and others, that John the Baptist has just endorsed the candidacy of newcomer Jesus. The endorsement came after Jesus participated in a seemingly routine river baptism that soon became anything but.
Initial eyewitness accounts indicate a short conversation between John and Jesus prior to the baptism, but there is some disagreement over what exactly was said. There did seem to be some hesitancy on John’s part, but he went ahead with the baptism.
This is where things get interesting, folks. I’ve heard reports of thunder, voices from Heaven, and a bird appearing out of nowhere the moment Jesus arose from the water. Most accounts agree that the bird was indeed a dove. The significance of the dove is evident to scholars of the Great Flood and its aftermath, when the dove--not this dove, but no doubt an ancestor of this dove--stepped up and accomplished what no simple raven was able to do: bringing olive leaves back to Noah. Doves have since that time been considered symbols of life, and the promise of peace.
Scoffers have accused John of rigging the event, saying, and I quote, “we don’t care about John and his trained birds.”
The endorsement did not come as a surprise to all. One local shepherd was spreading charges of nepotism, having been heard to say, “Of course he’s going to endorse him, they’re cousins!”
The familial connection has since been confirmed, but that doesn’t seem to have lessened the impact of the Baptist’s endorsement of the man many consider to be touched by Elijah. It was long thought that John might be a contender for Messiah himself, and like many candidates, he denied it enough to make people believe he meant to run. Unlike the other candidates, John is sticking to his word.
We have not yet heard the reaction from the Roman Party, but none is expected, as the Romans have always been known more by their actions than their words.
Jonah Ammitai, Good News Weekly, reporting.