John 3:23

It so happens that John the Baptist is also baptizing people at the same place where Jesus is baptizing, a place called Aenon (“spring”) also called Salim (“peaceful”), on the banks of the Jordan.  It is a convenient place since there is plenty of water and people come from all over in droves to be baptized. John 3:23 EFP

This must have been a sight for the ages.  Here they are—the desert prophet, John, and his cousin, Jesus, the up-and-rising teacher, baptizing people at the same time in the same section of the River Jordan.  This section of the river had become a popular place for people to come seeking to be baptized by John.  It was here that Jesus was baptized by John a few weeks prior.

But things are different now.  Jesus has already been baptized and has officially launched his ministry.  The news of the extraordinary events surrounding his baptism most certainly has gotten some press.  The miracle at Cana, followed by the many wonders he performs in Jerusalem, have likely created a stir among the populace.  And then there is the whole temple cleansing episode.  Can you imagine the conversations taking place across the countryside about this young upstart rabbi standing toe to toe with the pompous temple cast of characters?  There is a simmering discontent with the religious leaders because of the prevalent perception that they are corrupt and hypocritical.  But they hold the power over the people’s access to the temple, and according to them, to the very God that metes out blessings on those who deserve it, but who also deals severely with those who are rebellious and obstinate, a judgment they are too often quick to bring down on those who do not give them the obeisance they feel they deserve.

So people come to the desert, not Jerusalem, looking for something different—something in which to believe.  There they find John, who preaches a fiery message of repentance and restitution.  He brings the people hope through his inspiring allusions to the soon approaching Kingdom of God.  He is deliciously harsh on the religious leaders that dare to pry and spy on him.  People gravitate towards this strange man dressed in camel-hair garb.  He baptizes many.  Now Jesus had joined his cousin with a message of his own.  We have no record of his first sermons by the River Jordan.  I find it more than fascinating to read that this extraordinary pair was changing lives and bringing people into the Kingdom of God through their joint efforts.  This place had earned its name—“a peaceful spring,” dare I say, of living water where the masses could come and drink water they had never tasted before.  People are still looking today for something to believe in. My search never ends, not because I do not believe, but because I want to believe more!