What Jesus Did : Luke 3:21-22 - The Heavens Opened

    by Phil Ware

    The Heavens Opened - Luke 3:21-22

    {Before John was put into prison,} all the people were being baptized by him. Then Jesus came and was baptized too. While Jesus was praying, the sky opened. The Holy Spirit came down on him. The Spirit looked like a real dove. Then a voice came from heaven and said, "You are my Son and I love you. I am very pleased with you." (ERV) Full Text

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    Key Thought

    Luke uses only a few words and yet conveys such deep meaning. Jesus comes as part of the genuine movement of God among common people and is baptized. That event happens not only at a human level, but also at a heavenly level. Part of what is happening at the heavenly level is prayer, which is such a powerful dynamic in the work of the Holy Spirit. God's approval of Jesus and affection for him as his child are articulated. When we come to be baptized, we follow the example of Jesus and need to realize that God's approval and affection rest upon us as well—"You are my beloved child," our Father tells us, "and I am fully pleased with you!" Isn't it incredible that God gave us the invitation to follow his Son and receive his blessing? Isn't it amazing that we get to do something that was important to our Savior? Isn't it truly a blessing to know how God feels about us when we turn our hearts toward him? Amazing!


    Today's Prayer

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    Holy and righteous God, thank you for the gift of baptism. What a blessing it is to have the opportunity to share in this same experience that your Son and my Savior did so many years ago! Thank you that it is more than a mere human event, but one in which your Spirit moves and also one in which I can find my assurance of your approval and affection. Thank you in Jesus' name. Amen.


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    Today's Verses in Context


    Before John was put into prison, all the people were being baptized by him. Then Jesus came and was baptized too. While Jesus was praying, the sky opened. The Holy Spirit came down on him. The Spirit looked like a real dove. Then a voice came from heaven and said, “You are my Son and I love you. I am very pleased with you.” When Jesus began to teach, he was about 30 years old. People thought that Jesus was Joseph’s son. Joseph was the son of Eli. Eli was the son of Matthat. Matthat was the son of Levi. Levi was the son of Melchi. Melchi was the son of Jannai. Jannai was the son of Joseph. Joseph was the son of Mattathias. Mattathias was the son of Amos. Amos was the son of Nahum. Nahum was the son of Esli. Esli was the son of Naggai. Naggai was the son of Maath. Maath was the son of Mattathias. Mattathias was the son of Semein. Semein was the son of Josech. Josech was the son of Joda. Joda was the son of Joanan. Joanan was the son of Rhesa. Rhesa was the son of Zerubbabel. Zerubbabel was the son of Shealtiel. Shealtiel was the son of Neri. Neri was the son of Melchi. Melchi was the son of Addi. Addi was the son of Cosam. Cosam was the son of Elmadam. Elmadam was the son of Er. Er was the son of Joshua. Joshua was the son of Eliezer. Eliezer was the son of Jorim. Jorim was the son of Matthat. Matthat was the son of Levi. Levi was the son of Simeon. Simeon was the son of Judah. Judah was the son of Joseph. Joseph was the son of Jonam. Jonam was the son of Eliakim. Eliakim was the son of Melea. Melea was the son of Menna. Menna was the son of Mattatha. Mattatha was the son of Nathan. Nathan was the son of David. David was the son of Jesse. Jesse was the son of Obed. Obed was the son of Boaz. Boaz was the son of Salmon. Salmon was the son of Nahshon. Nahshon was the son of Amminadab. Amminadab was the son of Admin. Admin was the son of Arni. Arni was the son of Hezron. Hezron was the son of Perez. Perez was the son of Judah. Judah was the son of Jacob. Jacob was the son of Isaac. Isaac was the son of Abraham. Abraham was the son of Terah. Terah was the son of Nahor. Nahor was the son of Serug. Serug was the son of Reu. Reu was the son of Peleg. Peleg was the son of Eber. Eber was the son of Shelah. Shelah was the son of Cainan. Cainan was the son of Arphaxad. Arphaxad was the son of Shem. Shem was the son of Noah. Noah was the son of Lamech. Lamech was the son of Methuselah. Methuselah was the son of Enoch. Enoch was the son of Jared. Jared was the son of Mahalaleel. Mahalaleel was the son of Cainan. Cainan was the son of Enos. Enos was the son of Seth. Seth was the son of Adam. Adam was the son of God.

    -- Luke Luke 3:21-38 (ERV)

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