There are three parts to this opening cameo: (1) Jesus’ baptism; (2) His testing; (3) His preaching. First, Jesus is baptized, an event both historical and symbolical. The outward circumstance is well-known as, at the hands of John called the “baptizer” (1:4), Jesus consents to a ritual washing as a sign of a new phase of his earthly ministry. Henceforth he will leave behind his private life as a village artisan, and embark on his public work as God’s appointed agent for the