We cannot save ourselves

Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. John tried to prevent him, saying, "I need to be baptized by you, and yet you are coming to me?" Jesus said to him in reply, "Allow it now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness." Then he allowed him. After Jesus was baptized, he came up from the water and behold, the heavens were opened (for him), and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove (and) coming upon him. And a voice came from the heavens, saying, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased." (Mt 3, 13-17)

Saint John the Baptist, unlike many of his contemporaries, does not allow himself to be negatively influenced by human closeness to Jesus, which in his case is made even more strong by family ties. Even before proceeding to the baptism, Saint John shows that he is well aware of who is in front of him. Since John is aware that Jesus will liberate us from our sins, he affirms that he is the one who needs to be baptized by Jesus. Saint John the Baptist, recognized by Jesus himself as the greatest among those born of woman, teaches us in this episode that no man can save himself by his own merit. Let us not ever forget that Salvation comes only from Jesus and not from ourselves.