The first record of Jesus as an adult was when He went to John, his cousin, to be baptized in the Jordan River. Many people were there, confessing their sins and submitting to God’s will. Though Jesus had no sin to confess, He too submitted to receive immersion—“to fulfill all righteousness” (Matthew 3:15). Luke’s account is similar, but adds an insight about Jesus’ activity as He came up from the water.
Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heavens were opened, and the Holy Spirit descended on Him in bodily form, like a dove; and a voice came from heaven, “You are My beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” Jesus, when He began His ministry, was about thirty years of age (Luke 3:21-23).
Three years later, jealous men condemned Jesus to a criminal’s death. Even there, as his enemies hurled insults at Him, Jesus prayed for His tormentors, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:33-34). The last words from Jesus’ parched lips were, “Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit!” (Luke 23:46).
Footprints become knee prints and face prints.
If we follow the steps of Jesus, we will soon find that His footprints give way to knee prints. As the steps go further, we will find places where the footprints and knee prints disappear. Instead there will be the impress of the body prostrated on the ground. We will find the Savior’s face-print etched into the soil. Persistence in following His steps must eventually lead us to our own Gethsemane and our own Calvary. Serious prayer is part of what it means for a disciple to “deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me” (Luke 9:23).