Show Don't Tell: Matthew 3:13-17

Instead of saying "Jesus was baptized by John," watch the prophet hesitate. Jesus walks into the Jordan—the sinless one lining up with sinners. John steps back: "I need to be baptized by you, and you come to me?" But Jesus insists: "Let it be so now; it is proper for us to fulfill all righteousness." John consents. Watch Jesus descend into the muddy water, fully submerged, rising again. And then—the sky tears open. Not a gentle parting but a ripping, as if heaven can't contain itself any longer. The Spirit descends like a dove, visible, landing. And a voice—not from the crowd, not from the riverbank—from heaven itself: "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased." The Father, Son, and Spirit, together in one moment at a river crossing in the wilderness.