Key Passage
Jesus was baptized and he came up out of the water. The sky opened, and he saw God's Spirit coming down on him like a dove. And a voice spoke from heaven. The voice said, "This (Jesus) is my Son and I love him. I am very pleased with him."
— Matthew 3:16-17 ERV (Read Full Text)
Key Thought
While Matthew's focus in Jesus' baptism is the fulfillment of God's will and character—"to fulfill all righteousness"—God lets us know how delighted he is with his Son who is wanting to faithfully honor and obediently serve the will of his Father. God tells Jesus three things that all of us need to hear from our loved ones. They are also words we need to tell to those we love: (1) God affirms his relationship with Jesus: "This is my Son!" (2) God affirms his love for Jesus: "Whom I love." (3) God affirms his joy in Jesus: "I am very pleased with him." If Jesus needed this affirmation at the beginning of his ministry and right before he faced temptation, don't those around us need it as well?
Prayer
Worthy, holy, and faithful God, I want to live with passion obeying your Word, reflecting your character, and helping those who are reluctant to follow to be fully committed to you. Inspire such passion in me through your Spirit and energize my life as I seek to live your will. I want you to be pleased and praised by what I live. In Jesus' holy name I pray. Amen.
Related Scriptures
Peter said to Jesus, "Lord, it is good that we are here. If you want, I will put three tents here—one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah." While Peter was talking, a bright cloud came over them. A voice came from the cloud. The voice said, "This (Jesus) is my Son and I love him. I am very pleased with him. Obey him!"
— Matthew 17:4-5
It always gives me the greatest joy when I hear that my children are following the way of truth.
— 3 John 4
Jesus did these things to make happen what Isaiah the prophet said. Isaiah said, "Here is my servant; I (God) have chosen him. I love him, and I am pleased with him; I will put my Spirit on him, and he will judge the nations fairly.
— Matthew 12:17-18
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