The Baptist answered, “I am not worthy to tighten the latchet on your sandal. I should be baptized by you.”

The Galilean said, “Even so, it must be.”

The Baptist said, “Of what you may be washed, I know not.” He took the Galilean in hand and lowered him. He said loudly, “Come up in the light of the God.”

I held my tongue. The crowd was silent as the sun moved behind a cloud. From a distant tree, a dove took flight. My attention was divided; I watched the Baptist lift the Galilean, I watched the dove fly toward us. Just as the dove flew over the Galilean, the sun broke out and bright rays of light shone down on us. The dove turned up and flew away just as the reflection of light on the water blinded me. I heard the voice of the Baptist clearly.

“Behold the lamb of God who takes away the sin of man.”

We stood in awe as the Baptist and the lamb of God walked out of the spring. The multitude parted that they should pass, and the old Pharisee's face was still red. What had just happened? John and I gazed each into other's eyes, and the unspoken question made us cling together. We had come with all our heart to the Baptist and were introduced to the one of whom the prophets spoke.

A voice called to us from the crowd. “John! John!” It was John's brother, James, and he frantically waved us up out of the spring.

John ran to his brother and I followed behind. The brothers embraced and each kissed the other's cheek. John turned and pulled me close. “This is Philip,” said John to James. To me, he said, “This is my brother, James.”

James took my hand and said, “The Lord bless you, Philip.”

I could see the family resemblance between the brothers. Their hair curled the same way, both had a toothy smile. James pulled a young man from behind him, just as John had pulled me. The young man was muscular and had the beginning of a beard on his chin.

“This is Simon's brother, Andrew,” said James. “We are disciples of the Baptist.”

I took Andrew's hand. I said, “Hail, Andrew. Have we met?”

Andrew answered, “My brother and I are fishermen. I have seen you in Bethsaida.”

My mind returned to the lamb of God. I asked James, “Was that truly the lamb of God?”

James was happy to answer. “Yes. Yes,” he said as he nodded vigorously. “Come,” he said. He took my arm and pulled me through the press.

We crouched behind a tent and watched as the Baptist and the Galilean conversed under a small tree. We dared not make a sound. Our eyes took in every detail. Two Rabbis under a tree. We could not hear their words, but I recall the Galilean smiled often. They rose, embraced, and the Baptist walked away. Then the Galilean turned and looked directly at us. My blood surged. He raised his hand and called us over. Were we so obvious?

The Rabbi said to us, “Sit. Have you some bread? I hunger.”

I carried one small fish and a piece of bread in a piece of cloth, and John carried a skin of water. As we passed them to the Rabbi, Andrew asked, “Have you traveled far?”

The Rabbi broke the bread and closed his eyes. All of us waited quietly as he thanked the Lord. Then he ate the bread, chewing slowly as he looked between us. I was happy enough just to sit and watch him. My mind raced in amazement. The Lamb of God! John took my arm and I looked aside into his smiling face; he seemed no less excited. I looked at James and Andrew; their faces as open as John's.

“I come from the wilderness,” said the Rabbi. “ I fasted and prayed to defeat the tempter.”

James gasped, and Andrew said, “Would that I had been with you.”