Well Pleased

Hey Everyone, 

Today, I will continue the story of John the Baptist in Luke, by looking at how Luke relates the story of John baptizing Jesus.  Luke give the actual baptism.  Matthew tells us more about the actual baptism. Luke basically says, “John was baptizing and he baptized Jesus too.” (paraphrase of Luke 3:21)  And that’s about it.  The focus here seems to be not on the baptism, but on God's response to Jesus’ prayer afterwards.  Only Luke mentions the prayer.  Both Matthew and Mark mentioned the voice from Heaven coming as Jesus was coming up out of the water, while has it happening as Jesus was praying.  Did Jesus immediately break into prayer after his baptism?  Possibly. 

While praying after the baptism the skies open and the Spirit descends upon Jesus and a voice says, “You are my son, whom I love.  I am well pleased with you.” The Spirit appears in bodily form.  He takes the appearance of a dove and descends upon Jesus. God then makes a statement in three parts.  He identifies Jesus as His son.  He declared that Jesus is beloved and He declares that He is very pleased with Jesus. The word God uses to described His feeing for Jesus is εὐδόκησα (eudokaysa), a form of the verb εὐδοκέω (eudokeo).  In the Greek-English Lexicon of New Testament words, εὐδοκέω means 'to take pleasure or find satisfaction in something, be well pleaased, take delight." God, in this statement is making His testimony: Jesus is His son and God the Father is very well pleased and satisfied with His son. 

Luke has been presenting Jesus from even before his birth as something quite special. Gabriel said that Mary’s son would be holy and would be called the Son of God.  The angelic choir states that a savior had been born.  Simeon and Anna spoke about Jesus as the redemption of Israel. John has stated that there would be one coming after him who is stronger and who he himself is unworthy to even untie his shoes.  Now, even God has given Jesus his endorsement.  Luke has given his readers overwhelming testimony to the uniqueness, specialness and awesomeness of Jesus. In the words of the angelic choir.  'Behold, a Savior.'  Let's all dig deep into God's word and get to know this amazing savior, Jesus. 

Tom