Family Relations
Opening Prayer
Speak to me, Three in One, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Help me to hear Your Word to me today.
Read MATTHEW 3:13-17
[13] Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. [14] But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” [15] Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented. [16] 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 lighting on him. [17] And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.
Reflect
What affirmation of Jesus came after his baptism?Exactly why Jesus needed to be baptized is not immediately clear (14,15), although there have been many suggestions. For Matthew, the important point was not the act itself, but what followed. The voice from heaven publicly declared Jesus as the Son of God, although the focus was on what Jesus himself saw, not what the public or Jesus’ cousin John saw. These words were rooted in Genesis 22:2, Psalm 2:7 and Isaiah 42:1-4. Matthew himself repeats the latter verses in 12:17-21 and 17:5. He wanted his readers to be certain that this newly baptized man was indeed the Son of God.
Once John himself had agreed to baptize Jesus, he stepped aside and the relationships within the Trinity took central place. The baptism was the stage upon which God the Father and God the Holy Spirit made their presence and pleasure known to God the Son. This began Jesus’ earthly ministry, throughout which he lived and performed in obedience to his Father.
Apply
Reflect on how the three persons of the Trinity reach out to each other, serving and communicating together.
Closing prayer
Jesus, I know that You are the Son of God and I gladly give You the recognition and praise You deserve.
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