Encounters and Reflections Aligned to the Book of Matthew. A LENTEN JOURNEY~The Baptism of Jesus-Read Matt Ch 3. Spiritual Downloads pg 29. Book: Encounters and Reflections

Plan:  A detailed proposal for doing or achieving something.

Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John.     
But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?”
Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.”
Then John consented." Matthew v13-v 15

John the Baptist was sent as a herald for Jesus.  He paved the way by providing individuals with the opportunity to repent and be baptized by water.  Baptism by water, one can say, provides a way to announce one's acceptance of Christ 'on earth as it is in heaven.'     

"I (John) baptize you with water for repentance, but the One who is coming after me is more powerful than I...He Himself will baptize you with the Holy Spirit."  Matthew v11 - v12.

After Jesus was baptized John saw the Holy Spirit descend on Jesus. Then came a voice from heaven:"This is My beloved Son.  I take delight in Him!   
Matthew v 16.  (HCSB)

It is interesting that Jesus was Himself baptized by the Holy Spirit.  This "encounter" was a foreshadow of the way the Holy Spirit would be sent, by Jesus, at the time of Pentacost after He ascended to Heaven. 

Jesus, 'empowered by the Holy Spirit', begins His ministry.