Luke 3:15-22
15 Now while the people were in a state of expectation and they all were thinking carefully in their hearts about John, whether he himself perhaps was the Christ,
16 John responded to them all, saying, “As for me, I baptize you with water; but He is coming who is mightier than I, and I am not fit to untie the straps of His sandals; He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.
17 His winnowing fork is in His hand to thoroughly clear His threshing floor, and to gather the wheat into His barn; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”
18 So with many other exhortations he preached the gospel to the people.
19 But when Herod the tetrarch was reprimanded by him regarding Herodias, his brother’s wife, and regarding all the evil things which Herod had done,
20 Herod also added this to them all: he locked John up in prison.
21 Now when all the people were baptized, Jesus also was baptized, and while He was praying, heaven was opened,
22 and the Holy Spirit descended upon Him in bodily form like a dove, and a voice came from heaven: “You are My beloved Son, in You I am well pleased.”
Jesus’ Baptism
The humility of John the Baptist
The people began to wonder if John might be the Christ (the Messiah). In response, John testified that the One who was coming after him was far greater than himself. At that time, Jewish teachers did not take tuition fees from their disciples. Therefore, the disciples served their teacher like slaves. However, “untying the strap of a sandal” was the one task that even disciples were not required to do. With that background in mind, let us reflect on John’s words: “I am not worthy to untie the strap of His sandals” (v 16). Is this not true humility? John also said that this One would baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire. “The Holy Spirit and fire” symbolize the filling and purifying work of the Holy Spirit experienced by those who receive Jesus as the Messiah. It is also possible to interpret “fire” as representing judgment upon unbelievers (Mal. 3:2-8). John’s ministry, which focused attention on Jesus, deeply moved the people. Recently, at a gathering, a missionary’s wife offered a song of praise. As I listened, her presence seemed to fade, and Jesus Christ became visible. Later, when I shared this with her, she responded, “My father always taught me to praise only the Lord Jesus.” Through her, I was taught the heart of John the Baptist.
Jesus’ humility
Jesus Himself received baptism in order to stand in the same place as sinners. Luke emphasizes that the Holy Spirit descended upon Jesus. Furthermore, a voice from heaven was heard: “You are My beloved Son, in You I am well pleased” (v 22). The Holy Spirit gave Jesus the power necessary for His public ministry, and the voice from heaven set the direction for that ministry. The words, “In You I am well pleased” (v 22), reminds us of Psalm 2:7 and Isaiah 42:1 (please take time to read these passages). They declare that Jesus is both the Son of God and the Suffering Servant. God the Father revealed that the entire plan of human salvation rests upon Jesus’ shoulders. This voice played a decisive role in how Jesus determined the direction of His life. Have you heard God’s voice saying, “I am pleased with you”? I believe that anyone who resolves to live according to God’s plan can hear this voice.
Today's prayer
Father God of Jesus Christ, please give me the heart of John the Baptist. And make me the kind of Christian to whom You can say, “I am pleased with you.” In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.