John, the Apostle, dates the beginning of Jesus’ ministry in relation to when a priestly delegation was sent to question John the Baptist. Their inquiry was as to whether the Baptizer was the Messiah or not. John, the Apostle, numbers the days of Jesus’ activities following the temptation.

On the day following the questioning by the Jerusalem authorities, John the Baptist publicly proclaims Jesus as the Messiah. John, the Apostle, anchors his calendar of events to the Baptist’s disclaimer of a messianic role. It may well have been that the dawning of Jesus’ public acclaim required the eclipse of John. If so, like the Jewish day which begins at sunset, the first event in this dawning week of public ministry would have been the sunset of John from public focus.

A few days after the 40-day days in the wilderness, most likely upon his return, Jesus would have contacted John and told him of his experience. Thus, his movement into the public arena is proclaimed on the next day following the Baptist’s interrogation.