Matthew 3  John the Baptist "came preaching"... His message was pointed.. " Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." 

John was called to a specific ministry unlike any other... he preached, he baptized those who confessed their sins, and he made "ready the way of the Lord.. "  John dressed differently than others too.. "Now John himself had a garment of camel's hair; and a leather belt about his waist; and his food was locusts and honey." 

Yet, people came from all over to hear him and to be baptized in the Jordan river.  Even the Pharisees and Sadducees came to John, but he saw through their facades. He told them about the coming of the Messiah.. that He would "baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.. " That He would gather the wheat and burn up the chaff.. 

When Jesus came to John to be baptized, John humbled himself, wanting to be baptized by Christ instead. But, in obedience to the Father, Jesus asked John to allow it and he did.  "And after being baptized, Jesus went up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove, and coming upon Him, and behold a voice out  of the heavens saying, 'This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased'". 

The first public act that Jesus did.. was to submit Himself to the baptism of water by John's hands. Submission that pleased the Father and resulted in the coming  of the Holy Spirit upon Him..   Before ministry.. before miracles.. before the temptations.. Jesus came to John and was baptized.  He told John, "Permit it at this time; for in this way it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness."  Notice the "us" in that statement.  John and Jesus together were fulfilling the Father's commands. The Spirit's presence confirmed that this was God's will.  John 1:31-34 tells us that John the Baptist testified that he saw the Spirit descend and that he knew that this is the Son of God.. the One who would "baptize in the Holy Spirit." 

Father, help us to follow Jesus by submitting ourselves to Your will in all things.  Help us to be overwhelmed.. baptized by Your Spirit.. led by Your Spirit.. and obedient to Your Word.. the sword of the Spirit.  Keep us in harmony with our fellow believers that in spiritual unity we my accomplish Your good and perfect will to the glory of Your Name. amen.