The next day he saw Jesus coming towards him and declared, ‘Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! This is he of whom I said, “After me comes a man who ranks ahead of me because he was before me.” I myself did not know him; but I came baptizing with water for this reason, that he might be revealed to Israel.’ And John testified, ‘I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him. I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water said to me, “He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.” And I myself have seen and have testified that this is the Son of God.’ (John 1: 29-34)

In fourth gospel Jesus is not baptized by John. Unlike Luke's telling of Jesus and John as cousins bound from birth. In the gospel according to John, the Baptizer says, "I myself did not know him..."

Scholars are uncertain and divided. But most suggest the synoptic gospels were written late in the first generation after the death of Jesus. John is a second generation production, probably written between 90 and 120 AD.

What had embarrassed the first generation was, nonetheless, too important to deny. When the fourth gospel was written the Jesus movement had sufficiently surpassed that of the Baptizer to make some "reframing" possible.

Isn't this how we usually deal with our sins and follies? Over time we re-write our own stories, rendering ourselves less foolish, less flawed, less fully human. We seek - of course - to highlight our wisdom, righteousness, and courage.

Why of course? Is it not better - for our own self-understanding and for our relationship with others, including God - to be very clear regarding who we have been and our profound need for help and mercy?

Dear God, help me to keep my story true, especially when telling it to you.