What a Scene!

Mt. 3:15-17

"This is my beloved son with whom I am well pleased."

Many people came to watch John the Baptist preaching and baptizing at the river Jordan. In the crowd were the Pharisees and the Sadducees, who were at odds with each other, but in this instance, united with each other against John. Isn't it funny how a cause makes the most unlikely groups unite? Pulling no punches, John speaks pointedly to them, "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruit in keeping with repentance." Harsh! Yet, he goes on to insult them even more by saying that their heritage with Abraham counted for nothing. If they do not bear the fruits of righteousness, the axe will be laid to the roots of their trees. What an explosive scene! So much drama! No wonder John had such a following!

Yet, into this scene comes even more drama. Jesus enters. John immediately recognizes Him and confesses his need to be baptized by Jesus, but Jesus stresses that Scripture must be fulfilled in His baptism. To the average eye, this might seem like another one of John's converts taking the plunge, but to the searching eye, so much more was happening. As Jesus came up from the water, the heavens opened. Wow! How often does that happen? Then out of the heavens, came the Spirit of God descending like a dove and resting on Jesus. As if that were not enough, the voice of God audibly spoke saying, "This is my beloved son, with whom I am well pleased." I can only imagine how I would have felt if I had been there that day. How did John's disciples feel? How did the Pharisees and the Sadducees feel? They of all people understood intellectually the significance of fulfilled Scripture. But did the condition of their hearts keep them from seeing or understanding what was actually happening? Did they have a clue that the entire Godhead was present anointing and presenting Jesus' ministry publicly? Did they have a clue about the fruitlessness of their own souls? I imagine there were many responses that day from awe to mockery. Thankfully, regardless of the human response, Jesus presented Himself to all, and for that I am truly thankful!

Father,

Thank You for sending Your Son to seek and to save me. Help my heart to be constantly seeking fruitfulness and not to be deluded by any form of self-righteousness.

In His name,

Amen