Christian Reflection and Prayer

...and when Jesus had also been baptized and was
praying, the heavens were opened, and the Holy Spirit
descended on Him in bodily form, like a dove...
(Luke 3:21b-22a).

 

Read Luke 3:21-23

 

For 30 years Jesus had grown and lived in obscurity in
the northern region of Galilee, working as a carpenter,
alongside His father Joseph. None of His neighbors
knew His true identity. But now it was time to set aside
those carpentry tools and reveal Himself to the people
of Israel. The great Son of God made His way to the
Jordan River to be baptized by His prophet John.

As He steps out of the water two amazing things happen.
Something in the form of a dove comes down from above
and lands on Jesus, while a voice from heaven thunders,
"You are My beloved Son; with You I am well pleased."

The "dove" was the Holy Spirit who came down from
heaven to set Jesus apart from all other Jews. It singled
Him out as the "promised Messiah" (Hebrew) or the
"Christ" or "anointed one" (Greek). The booming voice
was that of God the Father; He declared His approval
of Jesus' life from childhood to this point.

 

Winning God's approval is no small feat, for God is far
stricter than any human father. He demands complete
and perfect obedience in all our thoughts, words, deeds
and desires. And that is exactly what Jesus
accomplished. Every day of His life He completely
obeyed God's will. Now He goes to work completing
His great mission to save all people from sin, death and
God's fiery judgment.

 

THE PRAYER:

 

Almighty God, when the time was right, Jesus began
revealing Himself to His people. Through this season
of Lent reveal Him to me as well. I pray in Jesus' Name.
Amen.

 

Lenten Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries