The Baptist and the Baptism

Matthew chapter 2 ends with Jesus being a small child, as his family returns to Israel after having fled to Egypt for safety. However, when we continue to chapter 3 we see that 25-30 years have passed and Jesus is now an adult. Chapters 1 and 2 are filled with many supernatural encounters and expectations, and yet now several decades have passed and nothing has really changed. What is Jesus doing? Why is there such a delay in what was promised and him fulfilling it? Did Mary and Joseph get it wrong, or did they miss something? Fortunately for them, and us, chapter 3 marks the beginning of Jesus's ministry. He is the King and because of that, his kingdom is at hand. This means the people better prepare themselves. And who better to help prepare them than a throwback prophet like John the Baptist.