“So when Jesus was baptized, he came up out of the water: the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him. And a voice from heaven declared, ‘This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased.”’ (vv.16-17)
While Jesus is being baptized, the Holy Spirit descended upon Him and the voice of the Father spoke from heaven testifying, "This is My beloved Son." In this we have an interesting look at the Trinity: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Jesus who came to John (the Baptist) to be baptized, set an example for us to follow. His baptism declared the superiority of the spiritual over the material: The life of the Spirit over the life of the flesh. In essence, Jesus was declaring His superiority over the material, fleshly life, and marked the beginning of His public ministry. Now, led and empowered by the Holy Spirit, He could face all that was to come.
When we follow His example, buried under the water is the old life, the old desires: dead. Then, rising up out of the water, washed clean, is the new life, the life of the Spirit - superior to the life of the flesh. As a result, we are no longer alone in this earthly battle any longer, we have His Spirit in our lives to guide and protect our steps.
Thank you Lord for this beautiful picture of Your saving grace in our lives.
The Truth: “And He that sent Me is with Me: the Father hath not left Me alone; for I do always those things that please Him.” (John 8:29)
