Today we see Jesus taking a step of obedience, modeling for us what He would have us do. Though He is without sin, and therefore has no need to repent, be forgiven and washed new, He follows the call that God has given John the Baptist to proclaim. John has been calling the people to repent and be baptized in preparation for the coming Messiah; to turn their hearts back to God. Jesus, as the perfect leader, sets the example of an obedient follower of God.
One of the most beautiful parts of this story is the appearance of all three members of the Trinity. Here are the texts from John and from Matthew.
First, we read John's proclamation of Jesus' identity as God. "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. . . And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth." John 1:1, 14
I just LOVE the poetic phrasing of those two verses! Such beautiful language for such a tremendous truth: Jesus has been since the beginning, and now is dwelling among men in the flesh. What a miracle! What grace!!! Oh, thank You Lord Jesus for being willing to come and live in our form!
In Matthew we read the account of His baptism: "When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, 'This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.' " Matt 3:16,17
Oh to have witnessed that moment! To see the Spirit in the form of a dove, to see the Son Jesus, and to hear the Father declaring Him as His well-pleasing Son! I love this united appearance of our God - three in One, separate yet united. What a beautiful mystery!
Later, in Luke 9:28-36, we read the account of Jesus being revealed in His glory on the Mount of Transfiguration - another moment I wish SO much I could have seen!!! In v35, it is recorded that a cloud was overshadowing them, and a voice from the cloud said "This is My beloved Son! Hear Him!"
That is the take-away for today for me from these passages. God wants us to HEAR Jesus! I remember a reminder we use in preschool classes - you have two ears and one mouth - for twice as much listening as speaking! How completely appropriate here! When I'm praying, I tend to talk A LOT more than I listen . . . and God's statement is a clear reminder to me to practice reversing that trend! To read what has been recorded of Jesus' words, and to listen for His voice in my heart and mind. Sometimes teachers will say "save your questions until the end; they may be answered as I'm speaking." SOOOOO true with God!
Lord Jesus, thank You for coming to earth and living among us, and showing us by example how You want us to live. Help me to listen to You more and more, through Your word and Your Spirit. I love you!
(Here is the link to the kids' post: http://elizabethtreger1.blogspot.com/2014/12/christmas-countdown-dec-3.html)
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