Read Luke 3:21-38 every day this week. This is the account of the baptism of Jesus and His ‘family tree’. This is going to be a tough ask, but each day this week, if possible, choose a different translation and ask God to open your eyes to new revelation from His Word. Look at each name in the list and if you have the time, look them up in a concordance and see if there is any other biblical information about them.
Luke 3:21-22
“When all the people were being baptised, Jesus was baptised too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.””
Reading the verse this morning, my mind was taken back to an occasion many, many years ago when I was a boy. I’m not sure if this kind of thing still happens today, but back in the mists of time, I was invited to go on a school ‘music camp’. For a whole week, I had to stay at a resort somewhere in the middle of nowhere and through intensive teaching, I was expected to hone my musical talent.
I have to say that I hated every moment of it. I was learning the violin at that point and everyone in the place was much, much better than me. They also made sure that I knew they were better than me. Each day I was subjected to abuse from my fellow students as I hopelessly endeavoured to find something enjoyable about playing 2nd violin. The best violinists had the great melody lines to play while I literally scraped my way through some off key harmony.
The last night was a big night and we were holding a concert for all the parents. The orchestra was assembled and crowds of adoring parents gathered to witness this great event. I was sat with the other 2nd violinists behind the ‘superstars’ who stood to demonstrate their undoubted talent through numerous violin solos. At that point in my life, classical music had never been so nauseous. In all honesty, I don’t think I played much at all. A few notes here and there but no-one noticed as I pretended to be an integral part of the magnificent sound that that filled the hall.
After the concert, my parents were so encouraging and lavished praise on me stating that I was fantastic! They were so pleased with me but their knowledge of the situation was incomplete. If they only knew the truth – well, they do now if they’re reading this.
What a difference that is to the account from Luke today. God’s Spirit descended on Jesus and God the Father spoke from Heaven the most amazing words – “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” Jesus was the exact representation of God on earth and there was not a single flaw, defect, or blemish. He was the perfect Lamb of God. The Father was under no illusion and there was no pretence from Jesus. He was and is the sinless Son of God. He lived a completely sinless life so that He could take our sin upon Himself and make provision for us to enjoy a relationship with a Holy God.
Our future is dependent on one question: What does Jesus mean to you? Do you consider him to be a good man, a great teacher or even perhaps a deluded crazy man? I pray that today, you, like so many of us throughout the course of history, will come to appreciate the Father’s words in a new light. Jesus is all that the Scripture says He is. I trust that today in these short words of devotion, that you will look at Jesus this morning and just like God the Father, find great pleasure in Him.
Take some moments right now, to begin to express your love of Jesus. Open your eyes afresh to all that He is to you and praise Him for all He’s done.
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