What Jesus Did! 'Split Open' — Mark 1:10

Friday, January 8, 2016

While Jesus was coming up out of the water, he [John] saw the sky open. The Holy Spirit came down to Jesus like a dove.
— Mark 1:10 NLT
Illustration of Mark 1:10 NLT — While Jesus was coming up out of the water, he [John] saw the sky open. The Holy Spirit came down to Jesus like a dove.

Key Thought

Something dramatic, earthshaking, and eternally significant is happening in Jesus' baptism. All who witnessed this event, and all of us who read about it, can't escape the power and significance of this moment. Heaven is opened. The distance between God in heaven and mortals is collapsed. The Holy Spirit descends in the form of a dove on Jesus to show God's approval, blessing, and anointing of Jesus as his Son, the King. Jesus' baptism is a turning point—not just for Jesus, but for us as well. Our baptism, though clearly not as dramatic as the Lord's, is a turning point, too. We need to think about the significance of both the Lord's baptism and our own.

Today's Prayer

Father, I thank you for a clear marker in my past that designates the turning point of my life. Jesus is my Lord. You are my Father. The power of the Holy Spirit lives in me. I praise you and thank you for a fresh start and the power to have a new beginning. Please help me share this freshness of your grace with others. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • 2 Corinthians 5:16-21
  • Acts 22:6-16
  • Galatians 2:20

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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did is a one-year devotional guide through the gospels, using one short passage each day and following the Gospel in consecutive order. Each devotional consists of a passage, reflection and a prayer which opens up the day's scripture and shows how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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