Verse
And the Holy Spirit descended on him [Jesus] 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."
Thought
In Luke, Jesus has been promised by the Spirit, conceived by the Spirit, recognized by the Spirit, and announced by the Spirit. We know Jesus and the Holy Spirit are inextricably linked together as God. Yet to inaugurate Jesus' ministry, the Holy Spirit will accompany the voice of God in affirming Jesus at his baptism. Even though Jesus comes to John the Baptizer like all the rest of the people do (Luke 3:21), Jesus is unique. He does not need to repent — his heart and life are already in line with the will of God. He does not need his sins forgiven — he is sinless. He does not need to prepare himself for the coming of God's Kingdom — he will proclaim, demonstrate, and bring God's Kingdom. For Jesus, this is a moment where God reveals who Jesus is to those who do not know him: Jesus is God's beloved Son who pleases God in all he does. The Spirit's presence in the bodily form of a dove is another sign of this truth. What Jesus' does in his ministry, his death, his resurrection, and his pouring out the Spirit on his followers is put in perspective. Jesus is doing God's work in God's way with God's approval as God's Son. So, just as we have welcomed Jesus at his birth, let's have our lives shaped by Jesus' life and teachings. Let's get to know our Savior so the Spirit can conform us to be like him (2 Corinthians 3:18).
Prayer
O Father God, please transform me to be more like Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit as I seek to know the story of Jesus and have it shape my life. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
Devotional provided by Heartlight®
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