Luke 1 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Luke 1:8-17 – An Angel Appears to a Priest

Luke 1:8-17 – An Angel Appears to a Priest

LK1:8 Now [something] happened while Zechariah was serving as priest before The God when it was the turn for his [priestly] division. LK1:9 Then according to the ritual of the priesthood it was his turn to burn incense[1] when he entered the temple of the LORD. LK1:10 Outside the throng of worshippers were praying at the time of the offering of incense. LK1:11 Suddenly YHWH’s angel[2] appeared on the right side of the altar of incense [in the Holy Place]. LK1:12 Now when Zechariah saw the angel he was startled and he began to tremble in fear. LK1:13 Then the angel said to him: “Do not to be frightened, Zechariah! For your prayer has been heard and your wife Elizabeth shall bear you a son and you will call his name ‘John’.[3] LK1:14 And you will become filled with joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth. LK1:15 For he will be great in YHWH’s sight[4] and he will not drink wine or strong drink.[5] [Numbers 6:3] He will be filled with holy Pneuma even while in his mother’s womb. LK1:16 He will restore many of the children of Israel[6] to YHWH their God. LK1:17 He will be a forerunner before [the Messiah] in the inspiration and power of Elijah – to restore the hearts of fathers to their children [Malachi 4:5, 6] and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous – to get ready YHWH’s people[7] prepared for [Messiah].”

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[1] His turn to burn incense: Something rotated in the priestly divisions. In the first compartment of the Temple called the Holy Place there was an incense altar before the curtain to the Most Holy. [Exodus 25:1, 2, 6; 35:4, 5, 8, 27-29; 30:34-38]

[2] YHWH’s angel: A Hebraism where the Greek could suggest YHWH originally occurred here.

[3] ‘John’: Meaning “Jehovah Has Favored” or “God’s Gift.” One of the most common names in the Western world, occurring as Juan, Yves, Ivan, Sean, etc.

[4] YHWH’s sight: It is possible the Tetragram originally occurred here.

[5] He will not drink wine or strong drink: That is, a Nazarite from birth by God’s choosing like Samson. [Numbers 6:3; Judges 13:7]

[6] He will ‘restore many of the children’ of Israel: The phrase is borrowed from Malachi 4:5-6. This foretold “restoration” by Elijah was that of Israel to their God and also between Hebrew fathers and sons.

[7] To get ready YHWH’s people: The allusion to Malachi 4:5-6 gives an inspired interpretation to the prophecy. Peter alludes to a similar “restoration” at Acts 3:21. John the Baptist would go ahead of Christ by six months to prepare Israel for Messiah’s appearance by a baptism of repentance. All of Jesus’ apostles and early disciples were most likely disciples of John first.

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Preceding

Luke – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Introduction to the Third Gospel

Luke 1 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Luke 1:1-4 – A Factual and Logical Statement

Luke 1 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Luke 1:5-7 – Zechariah and Elizabeth

Matthew 9:14-17 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: The Bridegroom and Fasting

Matthew 11:2-6 Encouragement for John and Reproach for cities 2 Imprisoned Baptist Encouraged

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Additional reading

Truth, doubt or blindness

Celebrating the evening of 15 April 2022 as a festival to Jehovah God

Tomorrow Friday, April the 15th of the year 2022 we remember what happened in the month Jehovah demanded it to be the first month of the year for the people of God.

“1  The LORD said to Moses and Aaron in Egypt, 2 “This month is to be for you the first month, the first month of your year.” (Ex 12:1-2 NIV)

Jehovah had spoken about a “Passover to God”, where He was going to go through the land of Egypt on that specific night and strike down every firstborn in the land of Egypt, whether human or animal, and was going to bring judgment on all the gods of Egypt, because they should come to know that He, Jehovah is The God. And that day should be remembered year after year as a lasting ordinance, meaning a ritual practice “for ever”.

“13 The blood will be a sign for you on the houses where you are; and when I see the blood, I will pass over you. No destructive plague will touch you when I strike Egypt. (Ex 12:13 NIV)

Tomorrow evening will be the beginning of a memorial day for us, where even not with many, because of the Corona limitations, we will celebrate the evening as a festival to Jehovah God, like it is already done from one generation to the next generation.

14 “This is a day you are to commemorate; for the generations to come you shall celebrate it as a festival to the LORD—a lasting ordinance.” (Ex 12:14 NIV)

“10 You must keep this ordinance at the appointed time year after year. ” (Ex 13:10 NIV)

But the evening shall be more than just keeping a “Festival of Unraised Bread” like the Jews do.

For us, it is an extra special night, where we recognise that God has provided an other “lamb” for our families which was slaughtered as the Passover lamb.

As the Jews had to keep that word and ordinance that God had given, Jesus too, with his disciples kept to the law, and at that night also asked his disciples to remember that night. The reason Jesus was coming together in the upper room in Jerusalem was that they had to bring the Passover sacrifice to God who passed over the homes of the Israelites in Egypt when He hit Egypt with death but rescued them.

“26 And when your children ask you, ‘What does this ceremony mean to you?’ 27 then tell them, ‘It is the Passover sacrifice to the LORD, who passed over the houses of the Israelites in Egypt and spared our homes when he struck down the Egyptians.’” Then the people bowed down and worshipped.” (Ex 12:26-27 NIV)

It is our task to tell our children why we are gathering tomorrow night. that they come to learn how God rescued His people the first time, by deliberating them from the Egyptian slavery.

“that you may tell your children and grandchildren how I dealt harshly with the Egyptians and how I performed my signs among them, and that you may know that I am the LORD.”” (Ex 10:2 NIV)

“On that day tell your son, ‘I do this because of what the LORD did for me when I came out of Egypt.’” (Ex 13:8 NIV)

“14 “In days to come when your son asks you, ‘What does this mean?’ say to him, ‘With a mighty hand the LORD brought us out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. 15 When Pharaoh stubbornly refused to let us go, the LORD killed every firstborn in Egypt, both man and animal. This is why I sacrifice to the LORD the first male offspring of every womb and redeem each of my firstborn sons.’” (Ex 13:14-15 NIV)

Even when there are already centuries past, it is still necessary to tell our children how God’s Hand was with His People and how He still wants to be with us and saving us from any bondage.

“Remember the days of old; consider the generations long past. Ask your father and he will tell you, your elders, and they will explain to you.” (De 32:7 NIV)

The Israelites had lived in Egypt 430 years and at the end of the 430 years, to the very day, God’s entire army left Egypt whilst God kept watch all night, watching over the Israelites as He brought them out of Egypt.

Because Jehovah the God of gods, kept watch, all Israel for all generations will honour God by keeping watch this night — a watchnight.

“41 At the end of the 430 years, to the very day, all the LORD’s divisions left Egypt. 42 Because the LORD kept vigil that night to bring them out of Egypt, on this night all the Israelites are to keep vigil to honour the LORD for the generations to come.” (Ex 12:41-42 NIV)

People may find it strange that we keep the participation of the bread and wine only for baptised members. But as it was not up to foreigners to eat of the Passover meal, so it is still today.

“43  The LORD said to Moses and Aaron, “These are the regulations for the Passover: “No foreigner is to eat of it. 44 Any slave you have bought may eat of it after you have circumcised him, 45 but a temporary resident and a hired worker may not eat of it.” (Ex 12:43-45 NIV)

In addition to the deliverance of God’s People from Egypt, we remember that special ‘lamb‘ that God provided for all people in the world. It is the Nazarene Jew Jeshua ben Josef (Jesus Christ) who had prepared himself to do fully the will of his heavenly Father and therefore offered himself as a ransom sacrifice. It is thanks to Jesus’ sacrificial act that deliverance has now come to all who are willing to accept that sacrifice.

We celebrate it in community, even when not all in the same house of place, we consider us to be united by the bond of our baptism.

In the past we allowed visitors, friends and interested people to see how we remembered that day. But this year, like last year, the places in our ecclesiae are limited, and therefore our memorial service shall only be open to members of our community.

(Sorry folks. Next time, when Covid may belong to the past, you all shall be welcome again.)

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Dutch version / Nederlandse versie: Het vieren van de avond van 15 april 2022 als een feest voor Jehovah God

Preceding

Fellowship over meals

Coming together for a meal to remember a special lamb

Another year of 14 Nisan with restricted access

Those who Jesus can call friends

Matthew 26 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: The Last days of Jesus Christ #7 Matthew 26:26-30 – Keep Doing This in My Memory

When Belonging to the escaped ones gathering in Jesus name

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Additional reading

1. Ember and light the ransomed of Jehovah
2. Vayikra after its opening word וַיִּקְרָא, which means and He called
3. Shabbat Pesach service reading 1/2
4. Trust in the blood of the Lamb God provides
5. The Last Supper was a Passover meal
6. Objects of God’s final wrath
7. An unblemished and spotless lamb foreknown
8. Trust in the blood of the Lamb God provides
9. Redemption #4 The Passover Lamb
10. Redemption #5 The perfect sacrifice
11. Ransom for all
12. Thinking about fear for the Loving God and an Invitation for 14 Nisan
13. This day shall be unto you for a memorial and you shall keep it a feast to the Most High God
14. Yom Hey, Eve of Passover and liberation of many people
15. Observance of the Lord’s Evening Meal
16. A meal as a mitzvah so that every generation would remember
17. Partakers and sons of the Realm
18. The Most special weekend of the year 2018
19. Soon it shall be Erev Pesach and Passover 2019
20. A special weekend for Jews, Messianics, Jeshuaists and Christians
21. Able to celebrate the Passover in all of its prophetic fulfilment

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Related

1. A Simple Easter Passover Lesson for Kids
2. Pesaj / Pesach
3. PassoverPassover Circa 33 AD; Hallel
   A Passover Gift
4. Pascha – Death is not the end
5. The Week of Passover, the Crucifixion and the Resurrection.
6. The Stronghold of Passover – Blood of the Lamb
7. Passover: The Sacrificial Lamb
8. The Lamb of God
9. Blood Poured Out
10. Lamb of God
11. Nisan 14 — Good Thursday

Mark 10 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Mark 10:17-22 – Sell and Give to Poor

Mark 10:17-22 – Sell and Give to Poor

|| Matthew 19:16-22;[1] Luke 18:18-23

MK10:17 Now after Jesus had continued on his travels, a man came running up to him and fell on his knees. He pleaded: “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit everlasting life?” MK10:18 Then Jesus said to him: “Why do you call me ‘good’?[2] No one is ‘good’ but One – the God![3] MK10:19 You know the commandments? ‘Do not murder! Do not commit adultery! Do not steal! Do not testify falsely! Honor your father and mother!’” [Exodus 20:12-16][4] MK10:20 Now the man answered Jesus: “Teacher, I have kept all of these[5] [commandments] since I was a child!” MK10:21 Jesus studied him with loving concern[6] and then said: “You lack one thing. Leave now and go sell every thing you possess and give the money to the poor[7] – then you will have treasure in heaven. [Afterward] return, [[shoulder your own stake,]][8] and then follow me.”[9] MK10:22 Now this statement made the man very sad[10] and so he left grieving, for he had many possessions.

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[1] Matthew 19:16-22: For details see notes in Nazarene Commentary 2000 on Matthew.

[2] Why do you call me ‘good’: Had Jesus been God himself he could not have even posed the question, for the answer would be obvious. While Messiah is called the “Righteous One” he is never called “Good.”

[3] No one is ‘good’ but One – the God: Jesus is in no way “God.” Whatever goodness Jesus possessed he received from the Absolute Source of all Goodness – the God [HO THEOS]. Only “the God” is perfect and absolute goodness. All others must receive from His goodness.

[4] Exodus 20:12-16: Jesus quotes from the Ten Commandments. We note he omits two commands that many would consider premier – God’s Name and the Sabbath.

[5] I have kept all of these: He had never murdered, never committed adultery, never stolen anything, never lied as a witness, and always cared respectfully for his parents. By any basis of judgment among civilized nations, this Jews was an outstanding human being.

[6] Jesus studied him with loving concern: Or, KJV: beholding him loved him; BER: looking at him, prized him dearly; PME: looked steadily at him, and his heart warmed toward him. The Greek is EGAPESEN and may be without emotion or sentiment. Jesus is interest and concerned about the man and now takes positive action to seek his highest good – even though this may not be received well.

[7] Go sell every thing you possess and give the money to the poor: Jesus has said the same to his “little flock” of personal disciples. See notes on Luke 12:32, 33. This rich man must do this BEFORE he even becomes an intimate follower of Jesus. It is a challenge for all Christians do research the words riches, money, and possessions. See notes on Acts 4:32-37 and 1 Timothy 6:17-19.

[8] Bracketed words are recognized as not adequately supported.

[9] And then follow me: The man must first do all that Jesus asked, and only after that, even begin to follow him.

[10] Made the man very sad: Or, countenance fell, brow darkened, face clouded, somber look.

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Preceding

Matthew 19:16-24 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Difficulty of Rich Entering the Kingdom

Mark 10 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Mark 10:1-12 – Pharisees Debate About Divorce

Mark 10 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Mark 10:13-16 – Kingdom Belongs to Child-like

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Additional reading

1. Memorizing wonderfully 63: 1 Corinthians 6:9 – Be not deceived for The Kingdom of God
2. Thought for today in CoViD times: He looked round about (Peter Banyard)
3. Today’s thought “Peace, peace, when there is no peace” (July 18)
4. Today’s thought “You stiff necked people” (April 30)
5. To remember (or not to forget): God is!

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Related

1. Is Your Heart Set On The Things Of This World? Or Are You Investing In Eternal Life?
2. Scriptural Meditation- Mark 10:21
3. Let Them Come!
4. Astonishing Words About Wealth
5. The Peril of Having Too Much – Mark 10:17-22
6. The Rich Young Man
7. Far More Wealth
8. Mammon
9. Good isn’t Perfect, Perfect isn’t Good
10. Super Quick Bible Study: Good vs. Decent
11. This Mile’s for You
12. Questions of the Soul
13. Goodness Gracious
14. Money in Mark’s Gospel
15. Who Rules Your Life?
16. Who Are You Serving?
17. Jesus and the Rich Young Ruler (Mark 10:17-31) Sunday School Lesson and Activities
18. Being Needy for Jesus
19. Come, Follow Jesus!

Mark 8:27-29 Simon Peter said Jesus is the Messiah,the Son of The Living God!

“27  Now Jesus left with his disciples into the towns of Caesarea Philippi. And along the way he asked his disciples: “Who are people saying I am?” 28 They answered: “John the Baptist.” But others said, “Elijah.” Still others: “One of the prophets.” 29 Then Jesus asked them: “But, who do you say I am?” And Peter responded: “You are the Christ!”” (Mr 8:27-29 MHM)

“Simon Peter responded, “You are the Messiah, the Son of The Living God!”” (Mt 16:16 MHM)

Jesus Christ when he was already for some time travelling and preaching was interested in what the world was thinking of him.
He recognised the world’s ability to form an idea of him and was curious to know what his own disciples thought. For some time now he had laboured to impart to the world a correct idea of him. He was conscious that in several places he was the talk of the town. Many people had formed an idea of him.

After he had done again some miracles, he sought information of the result of his own teaching and the world’s learning from the most reliable source.

Christ was wishful that the right ideas of himself should exist in the world, and wanted to see if his pupils had received enough information to come to see who he really was.

Before he asked who they thought he was, he had spoken about false teachings and how false dogmas can mislead the whole world. He had been qualifying his followers to teach the world and wanted to check if they would come to tell the world what his position was and what he came to do in this world.

“Whom say you” was addressed to all the apostles, but Peter usually was the spokesman and he made the confession of faith on behalf of the others. Peter gave as answer that Jesus was the Christ, the Messiah, that is, The Christened (Anointed) One. Likely the original in Hebrew would have been Ma·shi’ach.

Nowhere does Peter suspect that Jesus was God Himself. The words from God, Jesus and Jesus’ disciples are written down, so people will believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God. That way it will be possible for those who believe that, shall be able to receive a real and eternal life in the way Jesus personally revealed it.

“However, these have been written so that all of you [readers] may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of The God. And, because of believing, you [readers] may have Life because of his name.” (Joh 20:31 MHM)

Peter writes later about a further confirmation of the Sonship of Christ, remarking that Jesus resplendent with light from God the Father was declared by the voice of Majestic Glory as God’s Son, marked by God’s love.

“For he had received from God the Father honor and glory when a Voice occurred to him by the Magnificent Glory: “This is My Son, My Beloved, of whom I have thought well.”” (2Pe 1:17 MHM)

Jesus never claimed his equality with Jehovah God. Always did he tell people he could not do all the things he did without the power and authority given by his heavenly Father, the God of Israel, Who is greater than him. Even when Jesus would leave the earth, he would go to a place where he would not receive the same ‘grade’ as the Highest in heaven, but would come to sit next to Him to be His high priest.

“You [apostles] heard that I said to you, ‘I am departing and I am returning to you [apostles].’ If you loved me you would certainly rejoice, because I am going toward the Father, because the Father is greater than me.” (Joh 14:28 MHM)

“Therefore, Jesus answered them: “I tell you this truth: The Son is unable to do anything from himself unless he sees something the Father is doing. For whatever that One may do, it is possible the Son also may do likewise.” (Joh 5:19 MHM)

“Jesus said to the priest, “You said it. Yet I tell all of you: In the future all of you will see the Son of Humankind sitting on the right-hand of the Power and returning upon the clouds of the sky.”” (Mt 26:64 MHM)

“Now Jesus answered: “I am! And all of you will see the Son of Humankind sitting at the right hand of Power and coming in the clouds of heaven.”” (Mr 14:62 MHM)

“So after the Lord Jesus had spoken to the apostles, he was received up into the sky and then sat down at the right hand of the God.” (Mr 16:19 MHM)

Jesus wanted to know what his own disciples thought of him. Also for us we should make up our mind and have some good idea who Jesus is. Whatever opinions others may have of the Lord Jesus, you must have a personal appreciation of him. YOu yourself have to decide if you ware willing to go by the majority of the world who have made Jesus into their god, or if you want to go by the words of Jesus himself and of his heavenly Father Who declared on several occasions that Jesus is His son.

“Look! a Voice out of the Sky, saying, “This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased.”” (Mt 3:17 MHM)

“And a Voice came from the cloud, saying: “This is my Son, the Chosen One–listen to him!”” (Lu 9:35 MHM)

It was the Most High God Who asked to look well at His handpicked servant, whom He loves so much. Like the apsotles took delight in him we should also take such delight in him who is authorised by God Almighty. It is namely the Elohim Hashem Who has placed His Spirit on him, so that he’ll decree justice to the nations.

““Look! My servant-boy whom I chose, My beloved in whom My soul delights! Upon him I will place My Pneuma. He will announce justice to the nations.” (Mt 12:18 MHM)

The apostles could witness that Jesus resplendent with light from God the Father was declared as His Son, marked by God’s love. (2Pe 1:17)

We should have the same faith as the apostle Peter and like the other chosen twelve we should continue in their footsteps telling the world who Jesus really is.

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Preceding

Mark 8 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Mark 8:1-9 – 4000 Fed

Mark 8 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Mark 8:10-13 – Pharisees Seek Sign

Mark 8 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Mark 8:14-21 – Warning About Doctrinal Leaven

Mark 8 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Mark 8:22-26 – A Blind Man in Bethsaida

Mark 8 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Mark 8:27-33 – Death Foretold in Caesarea

Death of Christ and Silent or Black Saturday #2 A son of God and king who died

The Climax of Matthew’s story

Matthew 21:10-11 Who Is This? – a Question still posed today #1

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Additional reading

1. Who do you say Jesus is
2. Concerning Christ #1 A god or the God, a son of man and son of God
3. Jahushua, Joshua, Jeshua or Jesus an Immanuel or God with us an incarnated God or a human being?
4. For Getting to know Jesus
5. Concerning Christ #2 Divine source, connection and divine human being
6. Jesus Christ the Messiah
7. Jesus son of God
8. Jesus son of God or God the son
9. Jesus begotten Son of God #10 Coming down spirit or flesh seed of Eve
10. Jesus begotten Son of God #14 Beloved Preminent Son and Mediator originating in Mary
11. Reasons that Jesus is Not God
12. The sent one from God
13. The son of man given authority by God
14. Memorizing wonderfully 42 Equality with God & doing nothing of himself
15. Memorizing wonderfully 70: Philippians 2:6 Who, being in the form of God
16. For those who believe Jesus is God
17. When you believe Jesus is God: who do you think is the mediator? #2 Firstborn from the dead our advocate
18. The habitual misreading of John 1 and the ‘Word being God’ #2
19. A living Word giving confidence
20. Blindness in the Christian world
21. Deciphering Truth in Word and Concept – That we might see
22. Gospel of Thomas and Nature of Jesus
23. Do you believe in One God
24. That everyone may honour the Son and sent one from God
25. Believing what Jesus says
26. God’s Salvation
27. Glory of only One God Who gives His Word

Mark 1 – Additional Bible Students notes on Mark 1:9-11 – An Approved Son Baptized

The voice of one crying in the desert to prepare the way of Jehovah, to make His paths straight for His sent one, was John the baptist, Jesus’ cousin, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, whilst the sent messenger of God so many times spoken off before, was coming to baptise the people in the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Pneuma or Holy Spirit) and in fire.

People from all the countryside of Judaea, and all the people of Jerusalem went out to this baptiser, to be baptised by him in the Jordan river, confessing their sins.

John the Baptist preached and gave notice that some one mightier would come after him, whose shoes he was not good enough to undo.

The men of God, called prophets, like Malachi and Isaiah, long ago wrote about it this way:

God said, ‘See, I send my man ahead of you to tell about you. He will make the way ready for you.

Malachi prophesied that before the great King should come unto Zion, a harbinger should come before him, to prepare his way.

John by his preaching turned the ears of the people to the sound of the gospel, and so prepared them for the coming Christ.

“29  The next day John saw Jesus coming towards him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! 30 This is the one I meant when I said, ‘A man who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’ 31 I myself did not know him, but the reason I came baptising with water was that he might be revealed to Israel.” 32 Then John gave this testimony: “I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him. 33 I would not have known him, except that the one who sent me to baptise with water told me, ‘The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is he who will baptise with the Holy Spirit.’ 34 I have seen and I testify that this is the Son of God.”” (Joh 1:29-34 NIV)

The evangelist Mark tells us about that time when Jesus came from the town of Nazareth in the country of Galilee and asked John to baptise him in the Jordan River. In this text we also get already a signal about the baptism into death and the baptism of the Holy Spirit which are distinctly separate.

After the baptism of Jesus happened something which lots of Christians seem to forget (on purpose or not) or do not seem to understand God’s Words, though they very clearly declare who that man, standing in the River Jordan is.

As soon as Jesus came up out of the water, Jesus and the people around him, saw the sky opening. They could see God’s Holy Spirit come down on Jesus like a bird called a dove. And then sounded a voice from the sky which declared that this man standing in the water was His dear Son.

“13  Then Jesus *arrived from Galilee at the Jordan coming to John, to be baptized by him. 14 But John tried to prevent Him, saying, “I have need to be baptized by You, and do You come to me?” 15 But Jesus answering said to him, “Permit it at this time; for in this way it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he *permitted Him. 16 And after being baptized, Jesus went up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove, and coming upon Him, 17 and behold, a voice out of the heavens, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased.”” (Mt 3:13-17 NAS)

So many, who call themselves “Christian” do not want to accept that Jesus is the son of God, but keep insisting that Jesus is God Himself, and not the one in Whom God is pleased. Though the Holy Scriptures gives a clear wording of God:

“And lo a voice from heaven, saying,

This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” (Mt 3:17 AV)

“This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”” (Mt 3:17 NIV)

There is no reason at all that Jehovah would mislead people or would not tell the truth, because Jehovah God is a god of truth, not telling lies.

“God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?” (Nu 23:19 AV)

“Once have I sworn by my holiness that I will not lie unto David.” (Ps 89:35 AV)

“In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;” (Tit 1:2 AV)

In case Jesus would be God then when God would not be a liar He would have told the people that He was standing there. But Jehovah, the God above all gods said:

“And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.” (Lu 3:22 AV)

Also on other occasions, we come to hear that Jesus is a servant chosen by god. The Bible nowhere tells us it would be God having come to be a servant of someone. In case Jesus would be God, than God’s Spirit is in Him always and then Jesus could not be killed, because man can do God nothing, and certainly can not kill God. But the God, Who cannot be seen by man, came over the Nazareen man who was seen by many, to give him authorisation. Jesus is not God but is the man who is loved by God and who received honour and glory from God.

“Behold my servant, whom I have chosen; my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my spirit upon him, and he shall shew judgment to the Gentiles.” (Mt 12:18 AV)

“For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” (2Pe 1:17 AV)

Throughout the rest of his gospel, the apostle Mark shows us what kind of Messiah this Nazarene man is. We also come to read in his gospel how people came to hear the words of Jesus, but did not want to agree with them. Also the words about his heavenly Father, the Only One True God, did not please them. About how to live life by following him was what many did not want and still do not want.

We should accept the words of God as the Words of Truth. As such we should see that beloved son of God in Jesus Christ and we should hear and listen to that beloved son of God.

“And there was a cloud that overshadowed them: and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him.” (Mr 9:7 AV)

We should “Listen to him!” (Mr 9:7 NIV) who was declared to be the son of God and who very well knew that God is much greater than him.

“”You heard me say, ‘I am going away and I am coming back to you.’ If you loved me, you would be glad that I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I.” (Joh 14:28 NIV)

“Jesus said, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet returned to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am returning to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’”” (Joh 20:17 NIV)

“Now I want you to realise that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is man, and the head of Christ is God.” (1Co 11:3 NIV)

“When he has done this, then the Son himself will be made subject to him who put everything under him, so that God may be all in all.” (1Co 15:28 NIV)

“Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,” (Php 2:6 NIV)

Therefore, let us always keep to the Words of God and believe Him Who does not tell lies. Today still too many people are blinded by the light of false human doctrines. They prefer to keep holding unto the human dogma of the Trinity. They also do not believe what the followers of Christ came to believe, like Peter did. Peter, after Jesus had asked him who he thought Jesus was, was convinced that Jesus is the Messiah or the Christ.

“29 “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Peter answered, “You are the Christ.”  (Mr 8:29 NIV)

A few days later Peter and his friends James and John are taken up a high mountain apart where they experience something incredible.

“1  And he said to them, “I tell you the truth, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God come with power.” 2 After six days Jesus took Peter, James and John with him and led them up a high mountain, where they were all alone. There he was transfigured before them. 3 His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them. 4 And there appeared before them Elijah and Moses, who were talking with Jesus. 5 Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” 6 (He did not know what to say, they were so frightened.)

Again we encounter a part in Scriptures which a lot of so-called Christians do not want to accept. Again there is God telling us that Jesus is His son, and again there are millions of Christians who ignore God’s saying.

7 Then a cloud appeared and enveloped them, and a voice came from the cloud: “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!”

8 Suddenly, when they looked round, they no longer saw anyone with them except Jesus. 9 As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus gave them orders not to tell anyone what they had seen until the Son of Man had risen from the dead. 10 They kept the matter to themselves, discussing what “rising from the dead” meant. 11 And they asked him, “Why do the teachers of the law say that Elijah must come first?” 12 Jesus replied, “To be sure, Elijah does come first, and restores all things. Why then is it written that the Son of Man must suffer much and be rejected? 13 But I tell you, Elijah has come, and they have done to him everything they wished, just as it is written about him.”” (Mr 9:1-13 NIV)

When Jesus told that, he previously also had told about his coming end.

“He then began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and after three days rise again.” (Mr 8:31 NIV)

As such let us not only accept Jesus as the son of God, but let us also make his name and deeds be known all over the world, telling about the Good News he came to bring.

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Preceding

Mark 1 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Mark 1:1-8 – The Beginning of the Good News

Mark 1 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Mark 1:9-11 – An Approved Son Baptized

Nazarene Commentary Luke 3:3-6 – John Preaches Baptism of Repentance

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Additional reading

1. Who do you say Jesus is
2. Jesus son of God
3. Jesus son of God or God the son
4. Thought for the Christmas time: A sense of history
5. The place where Jesus was brought up
6. When you believe Jesus is God: who do you think is the mediator? #1 Son of man
7. Truth, doubt or blindness
8. Trinity
9. Trinity – the Truth about God
10. Behind a False doctrine – the Trinity
11. Trinity matter
12. Trinity – history
13. Jesus Christ, his Mission, Life and Work

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John the Baptist baptizing in the Jordan River by Good News Productions International from FreeBibleImages.com (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0)

Further related

1. The Rainbow and the Dove
2. The Baptism of Jesus
3. The Baptism of Jesus – the Revised Common Lectionar
4. The Baptism of Our Lord: To Fulfill All Righteousness
5. Baptism | Matthew 3:13-17
6. Sunday Reading: The Baptism of the Lord (Mark 1:7-11)
7. Baptism of the Lord, Yr B, 2021: Gospel Passage – We receive baptism, again
8. Following Jesus in Prayer
9. Indentification
10. By what Authority
11. The Son of God
12. My Beloved Son
13. Matthew 3: Repent of Your Sins and Trust Jesus or Face the Unquenchable Fire
14. The Baptism and Temptation of Jesus.
15. Read the instructions…
16. What is God
17. Potential Unleashed
18. Problem with Christians
19. Underwater
20. Feast of the Baptism – One with Us
21. The Heart’s Transformation
22. Metaphors for Baptism (Part 2): The Baptism of Jesus
23. Christ-Light Connections: The Baptism of Jesus & The Temptation of Jesus
24. No Regret This Time
25. Meeting Jesus In-Between