Our journey begins where Jesus’ own public ministry began. In this episode, we will walk with Jesus from his home in Nazareth to the Jordan River, where he is baptized by John the Baptist. Walk with Jesus. Hear John the Baptist preach. Watch as the sky opens and God declared, “This is my beloved Son.”
“Contemplation on the departure of Christ our Lord from Nazareth to the river Jordan, and how He was baptized.” - Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius 158
It can be helpful to review the text of a story before you begin a contemplative exercise. This episode is based on the Scripture accounts of the Baptism of Jesus, which is found in each of the four Gospel accounts. Feel free to pick one or more accounts to reflect upon:
Use the following images if you would like some help guiding your imagination to build this scene, but only insofar as they are helpful. Please don’t feel restricted by these images. Allow your imagination to add or change details as it happens naturally for you. Don’t worry about complete historical accuracy. The point of the exercise is connection with Jesus.
Join Jesus on his journey to the Jordan
Picture a river and its surroundings
The sky opens up
The Baptism of Jesus
