"At that time Jesus came from Nazareth, in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. As Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: 'You are my son whom I love; with you I am well pleased.'" -- Mark 1:9-11
This is one of the most dramatic moments in Jesus' life. It is the inaugaration of his earthly ministry. It is the beginning of the movement that will shake the world. Jesus is still just Joseph's son. Everyone knew him that way. He's kind, smart, and engaging. They know him but don't really "know" him. Well, now he's opening up. He's opening the door for anyone who is genuinely interested.
Once he opens himself up ... lightening strikes. Jesus is who he is and he came to do what he came to do and nothing will ever be able to stop him. A few verses down the line, Satan tries to stop Jesus. But he can't, and he can't stop those of us in Christ, either.
Jesus needs to hear from God. Jesus needs some kind of reassurance that he is doing the right thing. Jesus is thirsty for more of God and dreams of God's will for his life. God quenches the thirst and fulfills the dream with his words.
"This is my beloved Son." God, the father, acknowledges that Jesus is his. There goes my boy. He's mine. He also acknowledges that he loves Jesus. He says, "my BELOVED son." Do you realize that you are the beloved of God? God loves you the same way he loves his Son. And he acknowledges that he is pleased (proud) of his son.
There are three things every child needs to hear from their parents: 1. You are mine, 2. I love you, 3. I'm proud of you. God says all three to his son.
If Jesus needed it from his father at that crucial moment in his life, how much more so will our children need it from us?
blessings,
pastor ellis
Comments