THE SPIRIT DESCENDED
"I have beheld the Spirit descending as a dove out of heaven, and He remained upon Him. And I did not recognize Him, but He (God) who sent me to baptize in water said to me, 'He upon whom you see the Spirit descending and remaining upon Him, this is the one who baptizes in the Holy Spirit.' John 1:32-33
Some historians believe that Jesus and John, though related, had not met each other before. John grew up near on the Judean wilderness. Jesus' childhood home was Nazareth. Perhaps God had them geographically separated so that when John cried out, "Behold the Lamb of God", the crowd could not say that they were in collusion with each other. All John knew was that he was called to prepare the way for the One who was the Lamb of God. He did not know the identity of the man so God gave him a sign. God would send His Spirit rest on Jesus. John would see this happen with his own eyes and then he would know.
The Dove came, both to equip Christ for His work and to make Him known to the world. I close my eyes and try to capture this breathtaking moment for John. He just baptized Jesus by immersion in the Jordan River. Jesus came up out of the water and, at that instant, John's eyes saw a Dove come down gently out of heaven and rest on Jesus. I imagine it in slow motion. Surreal, vision-like, stunning. Perhaps John still had one hand on Jesus arm and he felt the impact of heaven and earth colliding. Maybe he struggled to remain on his feet.
Those who studied the scriptures most likely remembered the prophecy. "And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord." Is.11:2 This event had not only been foretold but the results of this heavenly anointing were also described. The results of that moment would be seen and felt throughout Jesus three year ministry and beyond. We still feel the effect of the God's anointing on Him as we read His words and remember the ways He touched people. Isaiah foretold them. Jesus would be wise, understanding, a counselor, mighty, full of knowledge, and one who lives in awe of His Father.
John was an apostle, described by Jesus as a burning and shining light. Perhaps the fire in his spirit was kindled during these moments with Jesus. Would it not change anyone to testify, "I baptized the Lamb of God! I stood six inches away from Him when the Spirit of God came and rested on Him." John was so bold in his witness that he became the New Testament's first martyr.
I follow you, Jesus. Anoint me afresh with Your Spirit. I long to be more wise, understanding, one who gives Your counsel, full of knowledge and one who lives in awe of You. Whatever the outcome of that, I am resolved to allow You to burn in me like a fire. In Jesus name, Amen
