“And the Holy Spirit, in bodily form, descended on him like a dove. And a voice from heaven said, ‘You are my dearly loved Son, and you bring me great joy.'”

Luke 3:22 (NLT)

JESUS IS FULLY GOD

This moment in Jesus’ baptism is a powerful glimpse into the Trinity. The Father speaks, the Son prays, and the Spirit descends. Heaven itself opens to affirm who Jesus is. In this moment, He did not become God’s Son at His baptism. He always was. But this moment made it visible and undeniable to the people watching and to us today.

The Father’s words were full of meaning to those listening who were very familiar with the promises of the Old Testament. When He says, “You are my dearly loved Son,” He is quoting Psalm 2:7, a messianic psalm describing Christ’s coronation as the eternal King. When He says, “You bring me great joy,” He is referring to Isaiah 42:1, which says, “Look at my servant, whom I strengthen. He is my chosen one, who pleases me.” Jesus is both the Servant who would suffer and the King who would reign. In a single scene, God affirms Jesus’ love, authority, and mission.

During a youth basketball game, a player made a great move and scored. Amid the noise, one voice rose above the crowd. “That’s my boy!” his dad shouted with pride. The son beamed. In that moment, everyone knew he was loved and seen. That is what the Father did for Jesus. He publicly declared, “This is My Son.” It was affirmation, love, and commissioning all at once.

The amazing truth is that God feels the same way toward His children who have been adopted into His family by grace through faith in Jesus. Have you received God’s affirmation in your own heart? When you consider your identity, do you believe you are dearly loved and sent by God?

Steve Roach serves as the Pastor of Spiritual Growth at NorthStar Church. He and his wife, Amy, live in Acworth and have three girls, Olivia, Sydney, and Hayley and one son, Colton.  He enjoys watching sports and spending time with his family.