1/9/20

Our scripture this week is Matthew 3:13-17.

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 has come to John to show His dedication to God by being baptized. This could be another “angel visitation to the shepherds” moment. We hear that the spirit of God descended on Him and God spoke from heaven. The crowd would have been buzzing about what they saw and heard.

Matthew doesn’t tell us that, but surely he would have written about it if it happened. Verse 16 tells us Jesus saw the spirit of God and heard God’s voice – there’s no mention of anyone else being aware of it. Why wouldn’t God want everyone to know?

This was a private moment between Jesus and the Father. God wanted Jesus to know He was ready for His ministry on earth and that He needed to share God’s love with everyone. It was up to Jesus to show the world by His faith in God, His love to others and His actions that proved what He preached. God could give us all a miraculous sign at any time, but that is not how He chooses to reach us. We must hear His word, accept His love for ourselves and follow Jesus to bring the Good News to everyone.

Loving Lord, we are grateful for the gift of our Savior and the gentle way He taught us of Your love. Help us to be strong in our faith and go to bless others that all the world may know You. Amen.

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