Down to the river Jesus went
For He knew John's time was nearly spent.

He asked of John to be baptized.
This to John was a great surprise

For He knew Jesus was so pure.
He was the Savior; John was sure.

John knew Jesus was not a warrior;
Love was the weapon of this destroyer.

Sin was the enemy He would uproot;
The Kingdom of Heaven would be His fruit.

"Baptize me", Jesus said, "I want to be
As one equal with humankind. Don't you see?

I want to show man the way to salvation
And the door that opens to the new revelation."

As the waters touched the sacred head
A voice was heard from overhead:

"This is my beloved Son" God said,
"In whom I am well pleased."

John grew lesser; Jesus grew greater.
John was the forerunner; Jesus, the feeder

Of those hungry for the Kingdom's truth;
This both men had known in their youth.

Both men were used to spread the Word.
One with water cleansed when the Word was heard;

The other, baptized with the Spirit's fire
That satisfied the heart's desire.

Matthew 3: 13-16


- Ivie Bozeman