What Jesus Did! 'The Heavens Split Apart' — Mark 1:10

Monday, January 8, 2024

Our Fall Donation Drive Is Underway!

We appreciate your prayers and financial support!

 Donate Now
As Jesus came up out of the water [after his baptism], he saw the heavens splitting apart and the Holy Spirit descending on him like a dove.
— Mark 1:10 NLT

Key Thought

Something dramatic, earthshaking, and eternally significant happened 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. The heavens were torn apart. [1] The distance between God in heaven and mortals was collapsed. The Holy Spirit descended 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 was 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.

[1] Mark 1:10 NRSV.

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

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

3 Related Resources by Heartlight

Moment of Glory
Devo: God's Holy Fire
"The moment [Jesus] came out of the water, he saw the sky split open and God's Spirit, looking like a dove, come down on him."
Dear Loved by God
Devo: Spiritual Warfare
"One day Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee, and John baptized him in the Jordan River. As Jesus came up out of the water, he saw the heavens..."
Pride of God's Life!
Devo: God's Holy Fire
"[When John the Baptizer was proclaiming the coming of Jesus], Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. The moment he came out..."

Illustration

Illustration of Mark 1:10 NLT — As Jesus came up out of the water [after his baptism], he saw the heavens splitting apart and the Holy Spirit descending on him like a dove.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Monday, January 8, 2024

Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by Corrie ten Boom:
"Faith sees the invisible, believes the incredible, and receives the impossible."
A Year with Jesus
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
'Be Holy!'
"Dear Holy One, You are a saint! The term means "holy one." That is what you are because of your redemption purchased with My blood. I have made you a..."
Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'Praise for our Rescue!' (Ga. 1:3-5)
"Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according...."
Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'Prayer Plus Touch Plus Fasting Is Effective'
"One day as these men were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Appoint Barnabas and Saul for the special work to which I have..."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

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.

More What Jesus Did!