John would have prevented him, saying, I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me? John's protest reflects his correct theological assessment: the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit and fire does not need the baptism of repentance for sinners. John recognizes Jesus — their relationship as relatives is explicit in Luke 1:36, and John's recognition of Jesus is explicit in John 1:29–34. The question do you come to me? expresses the asymmetry John perceives: the greater is presenting himself to the lesser, the sin-free to the one who baptizes sinners. John understands what he is doing and why his baptism is not appropriate for the one standing before him.

COMMUNITY REFLECTIONS

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