Leaving The Carpenter's Shop Series

At his birth, he stepped from heaven to take on our flesh. At his baptism he waded out into the water to stand with us in our sinfulness.

As Jesus is baptized, listen. Do you hear it? Do you hear the soft flutter of God’s Spirit settling on Jesus’ shoulders?

If you’ve ever wondered how God feels about someone being baptized, listen to what He said at his son’s baptism, "This is my son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased." What has this son done to merit such approval? He hasn’t taught in the synagogue. He hasn’t triumphed over Satan. He hasn’t preached a sermon, cast out a demon, healed one sick person nor made a single disciple. He just waded out into the middle of the Jordan and allowed himself to be immersed. And the heavens roared approval! "I am well pleased!" I think baptism must be very important.

Why was his Father so pleased? Maybe it was for the same pleasure Joseph had when he saw the young Jesus standing next to him in the shop, mimicking his every move as he worked the wood with his hands. Though the young boy has not made anything of his own, he was so eager to learn and so willing to work. He was so attentive to his father’s voice and so submissive to his instructions.

It was on his baptismal day that Jesus left Joseph’s wood working business and went to work for his real Father, full time. From then on he will hang on his Father’s every word. Every decision, every thought will be carried out with concern for the Father’s will. The driving force of his life will be the question, "Will this glorify my Father?" What father wouldn’t be pleased with a son like that?

Remember Jesus. Remember what he left, for your sake. Remember he saw your face when he made his decision. Remember he would do it all again, just for you.