Devotion:
Read Matthew 3:16 - 4:1.
The scripture today mentions when Jesus was baptized, a voice thundered from heaven: “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” The heavens opened up and the Spirit descended like a dove and landed on Jesus.
There is a lot of significance in this. This happening at his baptism combined insights from two Old Testament scriptures. “You are my Son” is from Psalm 2, and the references to God’s delight and the Spirit of God are from Isaiah 42:1. Isaiah 42 also begins the mention of suffering servant passages. God was announcing that his son, Messiah (called Christ in Greek) was to be a suffering-servant Savior.
This message was astounding because the people expected a military leader who would set up a political kingdom. However, God showed by this voice from heaven that His intention all along was that Christ would suffer and die for his people. While in the wilderness, with the temptations that followed, Jesus refused to be a political or self-serving messiah. Jesus calls us all to take up our crosses and follow Him. Let’s be willing to follow our suffering-servant Christ!
Personal Worship Option:
Jesus, help us to follow you faithfully, being willing to suffer for you, that others may come to know you. Amen.
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