9 At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 As Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. 11 And a voice came from heaven: "You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased."
Coming out of the obscure village of Nazareth, the unknown to earthlings Jesus now makes His first public appearance by humbly acknowledging God through baptism though sinless. We are told in the gospel of Luke that our Lord was about thirty years old when He began to make His Way known:
23 Now Jesus himself was about thirty years old when he began his ministry. Luke 3:23 (NIV)
All four gospels record the momentous occasion of Jesus’ entry into the public limelight found in our verses for today. How fitting for Him to initiate it by baptism signifying His acceptance into His Messianic mission as well as fulfilling righteousness which He came to accomplish. The gospel of Matthew records Jesus’ Words regarding His purpose in baptism:
13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. 14 But John tried to deter him, saying, "I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?" 15 Jesus replied, "Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness." Then John consented. Matt 3:13-15 (NIV)
The sinless, pure, unspotted Savior faultlessly and completely fulfilled all righteousness in order to be the perfect sacrifice for me and for you. He was made sin for us on the cross so that those who would put their faith in Him would then be made righteous – made whole - healed. Jesus’ death satisfied the wrath of God against sin - having paid for it in full by His substitutionary death for us on the cross. Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians:
21 God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Cor 5:21 (NIV)
The Prophet Isaiah had prophesized regarding the Suffering Servant:
5 But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. Isaiah 53:5 (NIV)
Next we see all three members of the Trinity present at the inauguration of the work of redemption – the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. The same Three were active in the world’s creation and now all Three are active in its redemption. In his wonderful book King’s Cross, Timothy Keller states:
“Mark is deliberately pointing us back to the creation, to the very beginning of history. Just as the original creation of the world was a project of the triune God, Mark says, so the redemption of the world, the rescue and renewal of all things that is beginning now with the arrival of the King, is also a project of the Triune God.”
The Trinity – one God in Three Persons – is mysterious and difficult (to say the least) for vessels of clay to grasp. The Godhead - Who throughout all eternity past and future - knows and loves and communes with One Another – they do relationship perfectly – I guess you could tritely say. They glorify and love One Another and are of One Will, One Heart, and One Mind – humanly speaking. It is selfless love made manifest – Agape love - Each centering on the other, adoring and serving One another making Them profoundly and sublimely joyful and happy. They are characterized by this self-giving love – Each voluntarily orbiting around the Other. Their actions are indicative of what life is about – relationships of selfless God-like love – capable only for mere man by the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit – it’s not natural and it never fails. Paul tells us in Romans:
5 And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. Romans 5:5 (NIV)
“God loved me not because I was lovable, but because it was His nature to do so. Now He commands me to show the same love to others by saying, ‘...love one another as I have loved you’ (John 15:12).” Oswald Chambers
This is not a patronizing love for the unlovable nor will we be able to exhibit it overnight – those who force it will become frustrated and tired. Biblical love is cultivated and nurtured – developed and refined as we grow up in Christ. It does not often miraculously just happen and it is maintained through discipline. It is the joy of life – it is not stationary or static rather dynamic and abundant. It is experiencing life in the full. Who wouldn’t want a life like that? As we ponder how lovingly He has dealt with us we are compelled to go into the world and love the same way.
“God’s love is always supernatural, always a miracle, always the last thing we deserve.” Robert Horn