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Jesus the Beloved Son

Daily Reflection / Produced by The High Calling
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And a voice from heaven said, "This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy."

Matthew 13:17

For three decades or so, Jesus had lived a fairly ordinary life. We don't know much about him during that period of time, but we do know that, like almost all Jewish boys in that culture, Jesus learned his father's trade (Matt. 13:55). He attended the synagogue, learning along with his peers to read the Hebrew scriptures (Luke 4:16-17). Given the later response of his hometown to Jesus' ministry (Matt. 13:53-58), it's clear that Jesus had not lived as some sort of Superman. Rather, he was known as a more-or-less ordinary young man.

But on the occasion of his baptism, something unexpected happened. Like so many Jews who longed for the coming of the kingdom of God, Jesus participated in the baptism of John. But unlike the others, Jesus experienced an extraordinary revelation as he emerged from the waters of the Jordan River. The Spirit of God descended upon him, and a voice proclaimed Jesus as God's beloved Son. Perhaps for the first time, people began to realize that Jesus was so much more than they had assumed. Could he really be the divine Son, the messianic king through whom the kingdom of God would come?

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION: Have there been times in your life when Jesus has revealed himself in new ways to you? What does it mean to you that Jesus is God's Son?

PRAYER: Dear Lord Jesus, today I'm reminded that you are so much more than my life suggests. Oh, my theology regards you as Son of God, Messiah, Savior, and even the Incarnate Word of God. But too often I live as if you're simply an inspired teacher, a guide for life who's available at my beck and call.

Yet if you are who the Gospels reveal you to be, then I ought to live at your beck and call, not the other way around. As the royal Son of God, you deserve my full allegiance, indeed, my full obedience. As the Savior of the world, you deserve my full trust. As the Incarnate Word, you are worthy of my worship.

So may I live this day in a way that truly reflects who you really are. Be honored through my life. All praise be to you, Jesus, the Son of God! Amen.