Post #4 – As Reported From The Book Of Luke
BREAKING — Crowds gathered at the Jordan River today in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar. John the Baptist son of Zechariah was present, baptizing many into a new relationship with God. John is described as preparing the way for the expected coming Messiah. Known for his unconventional clothing made of camel’s hair and leather, John also consumes a unique diet of locusts and wild honey.
Sources reveal this wilderness man preached his aggressive message of baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. What he is not known for is a polite disposition. John slams members of the crowds with biting statements such as “You brood of vipers!” and “Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.”
Jesus Was Baptized By John.
It has not been documented exactly how long the preaching and baptizing have been going on, but at one point: When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized 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.”
Unbiased spectators confirm Jesus (Son of God, the God/man who fulfilled prophesies of prophets Micah, Isaiah, Hosea, Zechariah, and Malachi) strided into the Jordan River straight towards John. John, considering himself less than Jesus tried to deter Him. Witnesses say at first John backed away from the actual act of baptizing Jesus, but then John did follow through with baptizing the Messiah.
On a side note, it has been previously reported that unbelievers question the baptizing of the Messiah who is known to be sinless. Yet in a public statement made by the Messiah Himself and recorded exclusively in the book of Matthew, Jesus clearly asserted to John “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.”
At thirty years of age, Jesus’ clear affirmation of baptism informs us:
- He is accomplishing God’s mission.
- Supporting what John is doing and teaching.
- Revealing His inauguration into His ministry.
Confirmation Of The Trinity.
In a rare occurrence, it is very clearly recorded in biblical text the existence of the Trinity together during the baptizing of Jesus Christ. By reviewing the content of Luke 3:21-22, crucial confirmation of the Three-In-One being present are revealed:
- …Jesus was baptized too. And as he was praying = God the Son
- …the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. = God the Holy Spirit
- And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” = God the Father
Jesus’ And The Holy Spirit.
Immediately following His baptism Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry.
Clearly through this example from Jesus, the world can expect temptation and struggle just as Jesus was tempted by the devil in the wilderness. However, Jesus overcame with the help of the Holy Spirit. What is significant to followers of Christ is we too receive the Holy Spirt. The Bible explains this occurs the nanosecond we accept Jesus as our Savior.
Amid some confusion, let it be crystal clear victory occurs immediately when we believe in Jesus, thus, the Holy Spirit enters us.
Lift Him Up 