Rest in the Spirit

REFLECTIONS
January 9, 2011

According to Dr. Marion Soards of The Presbyterian Theological Seminary of Kentucky, Matthew 3:13-17 completes the previous twelve verses of the chapter. The professor states that the work and ministry of John the Baptist is completed in these brief four verses which deal with the Baptism of Jesus and end the chapter. John you will remember is out in the desert preaching a faith of repentance. Repentance is a spiritual u-turn, where once we recognize we are lost, the spirit leads us in our return to God.

In this passage we find John preaching and Baptizing in the Jordan River. As Jesus approaches we can assume they greet each other. After all they were cousins. The more profound issue is telling John that He has come to be Baptized by him. After some protest John agrees. As Jesus rose from the water the Spirit descended on Him and a voice from heaven spoke saying, “This is my son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.”

The description of this event is sometimes referred to as a theophany which is visible manifestation of a deity. Another term often used is Epiphany which refers to spiritual enlightenment. Here both terms would be appropriate. The first twelve verses of Matthew 3 quote Isaiah, Zechariah, and Malachi along with II Kings. The work of John most literally the one of his being “a voice crying in the wilderness,” was fore told in these texts. Here when John protests against Jesus’ request is told, that is part of how the work and word of God is to be proclaimed.

The greater message for us as modern believers is twofold. First that Jesus honored and respected the ministry of others. Here he shows his respect for the ministry of John. In chapter ten of Matthew, Jesus demonstrates his confidence in the disciples when he commissions them for ministry. Then in chapter twenty-six a women led by the spirit anoints his head with expensive oil. When his followers complain of it as wasteful, Jesus calls it a beautiful act. Finally the passage tells us that as spiritual beings, we are called to be attuned to the work of the Holy Spirit; as a source of strength, as a guide, and especially as one who will nudge us in the work and way of our ministry.

Dr. Joey K. McDonald
First United Methodist Church
4832 Tujunga Avenue, North Hollywood, CA 91601