“Jesus is dead center, humbly receiving baptism though he had no sin, no need for cleansing.

John stands to the side, pouring water over Jesus, making a barrier between himself and God with his staff, reminding us of his initial rebuttal, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?”

Only his hand breaks the barrier, conferring the Baptism.

The Holy Spirit descends as a dove upon Jesus, the rays of light signifying the presence of the Father and his words “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”

—Monica Skrzypczak, Artist Statement