Read Luke 3:21-37
“You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”
Jesus comes from the crowd that had gathered with John the Baptist in the wilderness and is baptized with them. Luke’s record does not include the conversation Jesus had with John.
Instead, Luke emphasizes the vital relationships of Jesus to the Spirit and the Heavenly Father.
Jesus is connected to the crowd. Jesus is connected to a long line of ancestors. But, his vital connection in God is also emphasized. Notice:
Jesus is praying.
The heavens open.
The Holy Spirit descends upon Jesus.
A voice from heaven says, “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”
Vital connections are required for purposeful ministry. “Now Jesus was about thirty years old when he began his ministry.” Most essential from the Heavenly Father’s view seems to be the affirmation of Jesus’ belovedness. Perhaps this is vital knowledge for us too! Belovedness is not drawn from what we do, but from the heart of the Beholder.
Heavenly Father, As a child adopted into your family through Christ Jesus, I ask that you to send your Spirit to me again that I may know my belovedness before your eyes. I cry out to you and commit myself to the way of Jesus. Neither the crowd or my ancestors are adequately sufficient for the task of filling my soul with purpose, love, and sustaining power for life. Come Lord, Come. In Jesus name, Amen.