“When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: ‘You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.’” (Luke 3:21–22, NIV84)

At 30 years of age Jesus was baptized by John. Like thousands of others who went out to be baptized by John, Jesus went, too. But this was no ordinary baptism. On this day the Savior of the world came to the waters of baptism. In joining Himself with all humanity, he caused an eruption of the heavenly realms. The Holy Spirit descended upon Jesus in such a way that John the Baptist was able to see it. As soon as the Spirit descended upon Him, God the father spoke to Him directly, “You are my Son, whom I love, with you I am well pleased.” No, this was no ordinary baptism. This was the inauguration of the ministry of Jesus as the Messiah (Savior of the world).

God the Father clearly stated that Jesus was His Son and that He was pleased with Him. Jesus came as the new Adam. Where the first Adam failed, Jesus did not (and will not) fail to do the Father’s will. He would perfectly fulfill the law and then die on the cross as our substitute. Jesus’ ministry was characterized by two critical features (as ours should be). First, His ministry was empowered by the Holy Spirit. Second, His ministry functioned under the blessing of our heavenly Father. Our ministries find favor at the hand of God because they work for His good pleasure.

Jesus’ baptism was no ordinary baptism. Jesus’ ministry was no ordinary ministry. Our ministry today is no ordinary ministry. We are directed by the Holy Spirit and live under the blessing and pleasure of our heavenly Father.

Peace!

Pastor Tom

www.firmlyrooted.org