Although John the Baptist was imprisoned and ultimately beheaded for “truth-telling”, he lived and died for his calling- that of clearly pointing the way to the Savior.
Jesus, when baptized by John, was affirmed by God himself. The father spoke from heaven identifying Jesus as His son. Not just “a” son but his beloved son.
The Holy Spirit descended on Jesus in the form of a dove. The trinity was fully present in this moment. One being or God, with three persons (the father, son and Holy Spirit) is a mystery called the Holy Trinity. Watch Nabeel Qureshi explain this so well. God’s character of power (omnipotence) and presence (omnipresence), truly knowing everything (omniscience) is why we have a Savior.
John the Baptist never confused his role (to call the people unto repentance) with what some thought of him (is he the Christ?). The Savior’s role was prophesied as the anointed one, Christ or Messiah and was at a much higher level. (John 1:23 ESV) John said, “I am the voice of one shouting in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way for the Lord,’ as Isaiah the prophet said.”
When our kids were young, I would oftentimes start bedtime prayers with, “Dear Father” and end, saying “in the name of Jesus, your son and our Savior.” I felt the conversational tone with the Father expressed how grateful we were for the tremendous gift He gave. (John 3:16)
The beloved son has became Lord of all by conquering sin’s curse. Death no longer has the same sting (eternal separation) because believerswill live in eternity with the affectionate trinitarian family.*
This is truth-telling at its best. – Teresa #fireburnsupthechaff #winnowingforkgathersin
*Dr. David Eckman, Becoming What God Intended Ministries
Luke 3:15-22(ESV)
15 As the people were in expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Christ, 16 John answered them all, saying, “I baptize you with water, but he who is mightier than I is coming, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 17 His winnowing fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.”
18 So with many other exhortations he preached good news to the people. 19 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, 20 added this to them all, that he locked up John in prison.
21 Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heavens were opened, 22 and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form, like a dove; and a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son;[c] with you I am well pleased.”[d]Read full chapter
Reconnection 