Sunday 12 January 2014
- Bible Book:
- Matthew
"And a voice from heaven said, 'This is my Son, the Beloved with whom I am well pleased.'" (v. 17)
Background
In his Baptism by John, Jesus identifies with John's message andthe revival movement it had created, to enrol as a member of thepurified and prepared people of God.
Jesus is insistent that he needs to be baptised by John to "fulfilall righteousness"(verse 15) suggesting a divine requirement butJohn struggles to recognise the need for Jesus to receive his waterBaptism. John does however recognise that Jesus brings a newsituation, eclipsing his own preparatory ministry.
The Spirit descends like a dove and a voice from heaven reveals tothe readers who Jesus is.
Verse 17 brings together two images from the Old Testament.From Psalm2 there are the words from the royal coronation, "You aremy Son; today I have begotten you" (verse 7) and from
The voice of heaven announces Jesus both as the Son who serves andas the king who rules with justice and humility.
To Ponder
- In what ways do we live as people who serve?
- How do our lives please God?