John was standing with two of his disciples,
and as he watched Jesus walk by, he said,
“Behold, the Lamb of God.”
The two disciples heard what he said and followed Jesus.
Jesus turned and saw them following him and said to them,
“What are you looking for?”
They said to him, “Rabbi” (which translated means Teacher),
“where are you staying?”
He said to them, “Come, and you will see.”
So they went and saw where he was staying,
and they stayed with him that day.
It was about four in the afternoon.
Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter,
was one of the two who heard John and followed Jesus.
He first found his own brother Simon and told him,
“We have found the Messiah,” which is translated Christ.
Then he brought him to Jesus.
Jesus looked at him and said,
“You are Simon the son of John;
you will be called Cephas,” which is translated Peter. (Jn 1:35-42)

John the Baptist, according to John’s Gospel which we’re reading these days in the Christmas season,  announced God’s immediate judgement of the world and preached repentance “across the Jordan, where John was baptizing.” He recognized Jesus as the Lamb of God and testifies that “he is the Son of God.”

John’s Gospel does not describe in detail John the Baptist baptizing Jesus. Instead, this gospel describes the Baptist telling two of his own disciples, Andrew, brother of Peter, and John, son of Zebedee to follow Jesus. Andrew, calls his brother Simon to come and meet the Messiah. In turn, Jesus calls Nathaniel, from Cana in Galilee and Philip to follow him.

All is ready for Jesus’ mission to begin in Cana in Galilee. He will continue to announce the coming of God’s kingdom, but it will not be immediate as John announces it.  All nations must receive Jesus’ message of mercy and love  All nations must receive the invitation to become children of God through God’s Son, Jesus Christ. The waters of the Jordan must reach the ends of the earth.