The Spirit Upon Jesus

Matthew 3:16

“As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him.”

Yesterday we learned how the Holy Spirit came upon Mary for the benefit of all humanity. Today, we see the Spirit coming upon Jesus for Him; and, through Him, for us!

When Jesus was ready to officially begin His earthly ministry, He presented Himself in a public demonstration of submission to God the Father. Our Father expressed His complete pleasure with His Son and sent His Spirit to be upon Jesus. To John the Baptist, the Spirit appeared like a dove and remained upon Jesus.

The Father empowered the Son with everything He would need to complete His rescue mission. In the Old Testament, we see the anointing power of the Spirit coming upon someone for a particular task but withdrawing later. When He came upon Jesus the Spirit remained.

At Pentecost, under an open Heaven, the Holy Spirit came upon us as Believers so that we may be empowered to accomplish our mission. Jesus sent us out to disciple and baptize others, but He did not send us alone; He and the Father gave us His Holy Spirit. The Father is pleased with us when we allow Him to remain!

TODAY’S CHALLENGE:

Talk to the Father today about how you may more faithfully host His Presence in your life. Ask Him to show you how to allow the Spirit more freedom to lead you, and tell the Father you will obediently follow.

Dive Deeper: Study Matthew 3; Luke 3:21-22.