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. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Matthew 3:16-17
Jesus as our example in all things was baptized. This was an initiation into his public ministry. I have heard that when a 13 year old boy enters adult society, he has a bar-mitzvah ceremony. (bar = son, mitzvah = of the law). Jesus was in the temple at age 12 teaching, but we do not have record of him returning at age 13. Why? Most likely, Joseph had died. Who would pronounce the words over him “this is my son, in whom I am well pleased”. But now, as an adult, upon his baptism, his heavenly father says the words. What humility, patience, and obedience Jesus displayed. He always does the things that please the Father.
How about me? Am I humble enough to do what the law requires, patient enough to wait on God’s timing, and obedient enough to hear the words “this is my son in whom I am well pleased”?
God, help me today be more like Jesus than ever before. I thank you that I have been invited into this glorious ministry sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. May many today hear and know that they are loved. Draw many to yourself today.