Mark 1, Luke 3, Matthew 3
Posted:  October 12, 2014

Three key things are discussed in each of these passages:  The ministry of John the Baptist, The baptism of Christ and the calling of the first several disciples.

From this passage we understand that there is a trinity.  God the Father who is speaking from heaven, and God the Holy Spirit who is settling upon God the Son.  This isn't the first time we have seen the presence of the three working in harmony in Scripture.   In the very beginning of Genesis we see God the Father speaking the world into existence, and "the Spirit of God hovering over the waters".   In John chapter one it says "through Him (meaning Jesus) all things were created".

John's ministry is an incredible part of the fabric of the salvation message.   How incredible it would have been to be present when John said "behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world".   But John was such a powerful speaker, I wonder if most people realized the significance of the moment.   I also wonder if a few people said "of course he pointed out one of his relatives as the Messiah....how convenient".      It just goes to show that sometimes powerful and important moments happen and we don't even recognize them.  

I'm glad John stayed close enough in his personal walk with God to recognize Jesus when He appeared on the scene.

Speaking of not missing an important moment, John and Andrew seem to be the first two men to answer the invitation of Jesus to become disciples.   It was a rather bland invitation, nothing compelling about it, really.   "come and see" doesn't say much about all the exciting things these men would see, the miracles that they would experience, and the absolutely incredible legacy that these twelve would leave behind.   Jesus says nothing about any of this.   He simply says "follow me".  

I believe that Jesus offers the same invitation today.   I really don't think Jesus is trying very hard to sell it.  He simply says "come and follow me" and the rewards and blessing are poured out on all those who respond.   No one could ever imagine how rich and fulfilling a life lived with Christ at the center would be.    And we haven't even scratched the surface of what heaven's going to be like.

PR