Matthew 3
Scripture
Matthew 3:16-17
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.”
Observation
Jesus’ cousin John is baptizing in the wilderness at the Jordan River. His austerity and activities soon capture the attention and condemnation of the religious elite. After pronouncing that his ministry of repentance is in fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, John demands the fruit of repentance from the Pharisees and Sadducees; and warns them of impending judgement if they will not. John then announces the coming of the One whom he heralds and the fire baptism that will accompany His ministry. Jesus appears at the Jordan to be baptized. Though John, in all humility, is initially unwilling to do so, Jesus instructs John that His baptism is necessary to “fulfill all righteousness”. Jesus’ baptism is accompanied by theophanies that validate the beginning of His public ministry.
Understanding
Though the word “trinity” does not appear in the Bible, the concept of a triune God is clearly taught in scripture. Here, we see the presence of the Trinity at Jesus’ baptism. Jesus, God the Son is, of course, present. So is God the Father, whose voice confirms Jesus’ son-ship and the Father’s love for and pleasure in Him; as well is God the Spirit present, as a dove from Heaven, who falls on Jesus in empowerment of His earthly mission. Though each person of the Trinity is co-equal and co-eternal and co-divine; each has a unique ministry to believers. God the Father is provider, protector, healer, adopter and sovereign; the One who elects and glorifies. God the Son is both Lord and Savior; the Lamb of God as well as Redeemer and the one mediator between God and man. He is the One in whose name I have access to the throne of God and the One who defends me and intercedes for me; the One in whose righteousness I am clothed. Finally, there is God the Spirit; the great Comforter and Counselor and the One who sanctifies me, convicts me, leads me in repentance and who leads me into all truth. By Him I am able to understand scripture and am empowered to fulfill God’s calling and commission.
Life Application
-Gary Parker