Luke 3:18-22: a reflection

18Then with many other exhortations he preached good news to the people, 19but Herod the tetrarch, being reproved by him for Herodias, his brother’s wife, and for all the evil things which Herod had done, 20added this also to them all, that he shut up John in prison. 21Now when all the people were baptized, Jesus also had been baptized and was praying. The sky was opened, 22and the Holy Spirit descended in a bodily form like a dove on him; and a voice came out of the sky, saying “You are my beloved Son. In you I am well pleased.”

Luke notes soberly that John, who had faithfully preached good news and even confronted the ruler Herod for his sin, was shut up in prison for his boldness. Faithfulness cost John his freedom. And then, almost immediately, Luke turns to a scene of glory: Jesus, having been baptized among the people, is praying, and heaven opens. The Spirit descends on him like a dove, and the Father's voice declares, you are my beloved Son; in you I am well pleased.

The heart of this scene is the Father's delight in the Son. Before Jesus has preached a sermon or worked a miracle in his public ministry, the Father announces his love and pleasure. The whole Trinity is present: the Son praying, the Spirit descending, the Father speaking. And the words are words of belonging and delight, you are my beloved Son, a love that precedes any achievement. Jesus is affirmed as beloved before he has done any of the work.

For those who are in Christ, this belovedness is shared. Through him, the Father looks on you as a beloved child, not because you have earned it by your performance, but because you belong to his Son. If you tend to think God's approval must be won by your achievements, hear the voice at the baptism. In Christ, God's word over you is one of love and delight that comes before your work, not after it. Rest today in being a beloved child, and let your work flow from that love rather than trying to earn it.

Lord, at his baptism you declared your delight in your beloved Son before he had done any of his public work. Thank you that in Christ that belovedness is shared with me. When I try to earn your approval by my achievements, remind me of the voice from heaven. Let me rest as your beloved child, and let all my work flow from your love rather than trying to win it. Amen.