When did baptism even become a thing? According to Jewish practice, the idea of a “mikveh” was developed in the mid-500’s B.C.E. during the time of captivity in Babylon. That means that these ideas were developed by those like Daniel, Nehemiah, Ezra, and Malachi. Then, it was a process of conversion, a pagan becoming a Jew. Thus, the question posed to John the Baptist then makes more sense. John was baptizing Jews, which made no sense to the Jewish leaders.
Jesus and his disciples are in Caesarea Philippi when this conversation happens. This town was also known by the name Banias and it is here, at the foot of Mount Herman is the beginning of the Jordan River. In Jesus’ day, this place was VERY religious, but not in the way you would like or approve.
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.
Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near.
Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.
How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell.
Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone.
For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire workers for his vineyard. He agreed to pay them a denarius for the day and sent them into his vineyard.
When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.
Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!”