Jesus’ public ministry begins

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1. Jesus was baptized by John in the Jordan, but there are no words of repentance recorded–Jesus was perfect in every way. If the unborn John the Baptist sensed the presence of the unborn Jesus as a baby, no doubt his presence was intensified at this moment. I wonder if they played together as kids? Were they together at the annual festivals when Joseph and Mary traveled to Jerusalem? Did John see Jesus with the temple leaders on at trip when Jesus stayed behind? It’s interesting to ponder and perhaps there are those who’ve dedicated hours to sorting this out, we’re a curious bunch!

   When Jesus was baptized, we have three accounts of what happened next:

   • Matthew 3:16.  As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him.
   • Mark 1:10.  Just as Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove.
   • Luke 3:21b-22a. And as he was praying, heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove.
   • John 1:32. Then John gave this testimony: “I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him…”

   “Like a dove” is the consistent phrase in all four gospels.  From Isaiah 11:2 they knew the prophecy well, “The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him.”  Matthew Henry’s commentary provides this insight: “in the shape of a dove, than which no creature is more harmless and inoffensive. “

   Not an eagle or royal bird, a simple, pure, dove. Jesus comes as one who is pure and one who is humble beyond my understanding. God’s only Son submits himself to baptism in front of others without fanfare and without reservation at the same time. Like his entire ministry, the life of Jesus amazes all who look upon it.

   The next thing we see in each is this:

   • Matthew 3:17. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”
   • Mark 1:11. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”
   • Luke 3:22b. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”
   • John 1:33-34. “…And I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ I have seen and I testify that this is God’s Chosen One.”

   Somewhat different accounts of the next moment, but no doubt a time when we sense everything is moving in slow motion and everything surrounding the scene becomes quiet.  All calm for a moment in time as we witness the birth of the public ministry of Jesus Christ, the savior of the world. It’s a breath-taking moment I just want to sit still and let it sink in.

   Heavenly Father, you always amaze me, always. I got up late this morning and was about to delay reading your word in detail, but you whispered in my ear, encouraged me to slow down and listen. Thank you, Lord, for this moment. Help me remember this sensation so I can share it with others.

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