Jesus’ Baptism
And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” Matthew 3:17
Why are the final words of God the Father, spoken from heaven upon the occasion of Jesus’ baptism, so very important? They are important because with those words “in whom I am well pleased,” God the Father affirmed Jesus. This, in turn, was important for Jesus and remains important for us!
Throughout His ministry, Jesus was challenged both regarding who He was and why He had come into this world. From little on Jesus already knew that He was God’s Son. As a twelve-year-old child He was determined to be about His “Father’s business.” (Luke 2:49) Yet, during His ministry Jesus was frequently accused by the Jewish religious leaders of being in league with “Beelzebub, the ruler of the demons.” (Luke 11:15) Repeatedly, Jesus took comfort in His connection to and affirmation by His heavenly Father. He told those opposed to Him: “If I do not do the works of My Father, do not believe Me; but if I do, though you do not believe Me, believe the works, that you may know and believe that the Father is in Me, and I in Him.” (John 10:37-38) Later, when Jesus was on the cross and was tempted to question His Father’s faithfulness (cf. Mark 15:34), the affirmation of His Father resolved all possible doubts as Jesus committed His spirit into His Father’s loving hands (Luke 23:46).
For you and me, God the Father’s affirmation of Jesus as the One in whom He is “well-pleased” assures us that Jesus is indeed our Savior from sin, death, Satan, and hell. We can follow Him with confidence and rest securely in His hands, for absolutely no one is able to snatch us out of His hands! (John 10:27-28)
Dear heavenly Father, we thank and praise You for assuring us through His precious words that Jesus is indeed Your Son and that His work on our behalf is pleasing in Your sight. Grant that our faith may always rest in Jesus, as we look forward to the time we will spend with You throughout eternity. Amen.