Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 (NRSV)
Read Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 on biblegateway.com
Verse 15As the people were filled with expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Messiah, Verse 16John answered all of them by saying, "I baptize you with water; but one who is more powerful than I is coming; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. Verse 17His winnowing fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire."
Verse 21Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heaven was opened, Verse 22and the Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, "You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased."
Devotion
What is more edifying for a person to hear than that your parents or ancestors are proud of you? Hearing my mom tell me she loves me, and my dad tell me that he’s proud of me have meant the world to me. I want to make sure that my kids always hear both from me.
In the gospel reading, the time of human speech is over. John’s lectures to the crowds have ceased. Jesus’ insistence that he needs to be baptized is passed. Jesus has been praying, but then the heavens are torn open, and God speaks: “You are my beloved Son, in you I am well pleased.”
Jesus is going to face much difficulty. Immediately he is driven to the wilderness to be tempted, and afterward, he will face rejection and eventually murder by the Romans. Giving him strength to face all the challenges is the ironclad assurance of love and pride spoken by Jesus’ Father.
Prayer
Speaking God, remind us of your love. Cause us to listen to you for our identity and worth. We seek the comfort of your voice! Amen.
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