The JC Team (Volume 1)

The JC Team

CHAPTER 1

The Encounter

Jesus waded into the cold waters of Jordan, joining the line of men awaiting baptism by John the Baptist. When his turn came, Jesus humbly knelt in the water. John hesitated, recognizing the magnitude of the moment and said, "I am not worthy to baptize you."

Jesus looked up at John. "Do it this way now, John. God wills it."

John nodded, acknowledging the divine directive. He gently rested his hand on Jesus' head and immersed him into the waters of Jordan. As the liquid closed over Jesus, John sensed a strange power surrounding them. He looked around and saw the once clean river turning dark as soot. John understood that this symbolized the dark sins which had been washed away from the many people he had baptized in the river. Moments later, the dark color began to converge and dissolve into Jesus, returning the pristine freshness to the flowing waters of Jordan. It seemed as though Jesus was drawing all the filth towards himself, for he was the Messiah who had come to take upon himself the dark sins of the world and make humanity pure and holy.

Jesus rose from the sparkling waters and John gazed on in awe. Just then, a dove descended from Heaven and rested upon Jesus. In a thunderous voice, God the Father spoke from Heaven, "This is my own dear Son, with whom I am well pleased!"

The people on the shores of Jordan heard the unusual thunder and witnessed the extraordinary radiance around Jesus. They grew curious and began talking among themselves.

"Who is that man?" asked an old man inquisitively.

"Isn't he Mary's son, Jesus?" wondered a lady.

"Yes, he is Jesus, the son of Joseph the carpenter who died years back," answered another.

"Look at the shine on his face!" exclaimed a young lad.

Jesus faintly smiled at John and quietly walked away. The Holy Spirit led Jesus into the desert where he prayed and fasted for the next forty days, to be empowered with the spiritual strength needed to begin the new phase of his 'Mission' on earth. Satan sensed Jesus was going to pursue his Mission in a radical way and was determined to stop him. In several ways, Satan tempted Jesus in the desert. But Jesus triumphed over each one and defeated Satan.

After completing forty days of persistent prayer and penance, Jesus headed back home. As he slowly strolled down the lonely lane to Nazareth, he felt weak and tired. His body showed weariness, but there was an extraordinary shine in his eyes and an amazing power in his presence.

John the Baptist was with his two disciples by the Jordan River. He noticed Jesus walk by. "Look there!" pointing towards Jesus, the Baptist said to his disciples John and Andrew. "He is 'The One'-the Lamb of God who has come to take away the sins of the world."

Andrew and John eagerly looked to where the Baptist directed. The Baptist had many times told them that the day would come when he would show them the Messiah, 'The One' all Israel had been waiting centuries for.... The Anointed One of God who would change history and redeem Israel forever!

"Are you sure it's Him?" Andrew asked the Baptist curiously. "He doesn't look like a King to me."

The Baptist nodded, "Yes, I am sure. God the Father showed me a sign to assure me that Jesus is 'The One' who will baptize with the Holy Spirit."

Andrew glanced over at John. "Let's follow him!" Andrew whispered. John agreed.

So Andrew and John tiptoed behind Jesus.

"What do we tell him?" asked John.

"We'll tell him we are the Baptist's disciples and that he has often spoken to us about him," replied Andrew.