Scripture:
Vs. 13 “Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him.”
Vs. 16 “And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on Him”
Vs. 17 “and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”
Observation:
Jesus is beginning His public ministry with a public and obedient act of baptism. It also is a interaction between all three members of the trinity. The Holy Spirit rests on Jesus like a dove. The Father announces He is pleased with His Son.
Application:
I am struck this morning at the beginning public moments of God’s salvation plan of the world. Normally, if something “stands out” or “gets noticed” it’s because of the “bigness” or “grandeur” of the act. But, what overwhelms me about his scene is the stunning humility of it.
The Holy Spirit – a dove.
The Father – a voice.
The Son – submersed under water by a poor man.
This is God in the flesh!
Jesus could introduce his public ministry however He wants to.
As He later says at his arrest, He has legions of angels at His disposal. Jesus could create whatever “spectacle” He wanted for this pivotal moment in history.
And yet, He chooses obedience … humble obedience.
We live in a culture consumed with the idea of how to “get noticed in a busy world” … “create your platform” … “go big or go home” … and even “how to soar like an eagle when your surrounded by turkeys”!
Jesus chose humility and we’re talking about it more than 2,000 years later.
But more than that, … it pleased God.
What am I more focused on? “Getting noticed” or “Pleasing God”?
If given the choice, what would I choose?
Honor or humility?
Omnipotence or obedience?
Jesus had the former, he chose the latter.
I must do the same.
What’s gives me the courage to make the choice, regardless of the situation?
Knowing that it is God who is omnipotent and every choice should honor Him.
Prayer:
God, thank You for your word and your salvation.
Thank you for the example Jesus sets for us in humble obedience.
Help me to act in ways that you would be pleased.
And forgive me when I fail to do so.
In Jesus name.
Amen.