So important is this proclamation, so basic is it to the meaning of what the gospel is, that all four gospels mention it. Even the Gospel of John, which does not have a baptismal narrative as such, reports John the Baptist’s words which highlight this same truth (John 1:33, 34). Why do all four gospels stress this? Because of the importance of Christ’s baptism! It was his identification with the eschatological people of God. It was his entrance into his public ministry. It was his identification