And a voice from Heaven said, “This is my son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased. Matthew 3:17 (Matthew 3:1-17, 4:1-11, Luke 3:1-23, 4:1-13, Mark 1:5-13, John 1:19-34)
John was Jesus’ cousin. They must have known each other as children and been told by their mothers the miraculous events of their births. Living more like a monk rather than a priest, John had a successful ministry. He was the antithesis to the religious leaders of his day. The Pharisees and Sadducees dressed for success in elaborate prayer robes, and lived lavish life styles. John was humble, wearing a scratchy gown of camel hide tied with a leather belt. He ate locust and honey, but was genuine and people listened and followed. He knew he was born to herald the event of the ages and he did just that by bringing news that a Messiah was near at hand.
Ritual bathing before worship was a common habit of the Jewish people. From this John instituted baptism as a representation of true repentance and forgiveness. As an evangelist he preached spiritual purity and strong, practical, ethical conduct in all aspects of life. As John was baptizing believers in the Jordan River, Jesus came too. What began as a ceremonial act became a dramatic confirmation of Jesus, Son of God. When Heaven opened, Jesus Himself had full understanding of all He was born to do.
Immediately following this profound event, Jesus went into the wilderness to fast and pray. He knew why He left Heaven and how things must end, so Satan’s/sin’s bondage would end for all time. After 40 days of introspection and deprivation Jesus was vulnerable to His body’s needs and His spirit’s exhaustion. Satan seized the moment and tempted Him to satisfy his physical hunger, test God’s authenticity and His own supernatural power, and access His own authority to make man do His will rather than sacrifice Himself to God’s plan. Each time Satan attacked, Jesus met Him with the very breath of God, His Word.
Through these events we see clearly that Jesus was fully man. What we read in moments He lived for over a month. He suffered and bent His will and authority for our greater good. This is only the beginning of His life of selfless sacrifice. He is worthy of honor long before He gave His life in place of ours.
Have a Great Monday,
Gretchen