Day 220 – The Baptism of Jesus

Today’s reading: Luke 3:15-38

Two important points today.

First, we learn why John is arrested and ultimately killed:

So with many other exhortations he preached good news to the people. But Herod the tetrarch, who had been reproved by him for Herodias, his brother's wife, and for all the evil things that Herod had done, added this to them all, that he locked up John in prison. Luke 3:18-20

Basically, John has been openly criticizing King Herod for marrying his brother’s wife.  Herod wants him silenced.  Later, his wife’s daughter will ask for the head of John the Baptist.

Second, In Luke’s gospel that baptism of Jesus is treated succinctly:

Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heavens were opened, and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form, like a dove; and a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” Luke 3:21-22

What strikes me about this simple rendition of Jesus’ baptism is that the simple truth of the Trinity is still dramatically present.  The Father speaks, “You are my beloved Son; with you, I am well pleased”.  Jesus, the Son is praying, and the Holy Spirit descends upon him.

Tomorrow: Luke 4:1-30