Early within each of the first five books of the New Testament is an account of John the Baptist's activities and of his baptism of Jesus. The record shows that as Jesus came up out of the water, the Spirit of God descended upon him and a voice was heard out of heaven, declaring, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."
Matt. 3:17. This event initiated the period of Christ Jesus' public ministry.
The Spirit of God, or the Holy Ghost, brought to human consciousness a revelation of the true nature of man as the offspring of God. Christ Jesus, the ideal man, washed in the currents of Truth, was filled with the Holy Ghost, which gave him the understanding and power of Divine Science. For centuries the world had been crushed under the belief that man was a condemned sinner, alienated from God, deserving of suffering. Now a new hope had sprung up; indeed, more than a hope, for Jesus provided actual proof that man is spiritual, the loved of God. This new evidence of true being destroyed the seeming reality of sickness and sin. The understanding of man's likeness to the divine brought to light the eternal power of Truth, expressing health, goodness, and purity in man.
As one considers the events at the river Jordan, it is evident that Jesus expressed a willingness to accept his true identity as "the only begotten of the Father."
John 1:14.John, glimpsing Jesus' true nature, was reluctant to baptize him. But Jesus submitting to this rite, willingly walked into the purifying waters of Spirit, enabling mankind to perceive his true selfhood as the Son of God. The Holy Ghost bestowed on him the ability to reflect the fullness of divine power and authority, which was illustrated in his healing of the sick and dying.
