Luke

This event transitions Jesus from being a regular person (humanly speaking) into public ministry as the Messiah. This event has five key elements:

• People were coming out to see John the Baptist in the wilderness and being baptized 
• Jesus was baptized while he was praying 
• Heaven opened 
• The Holy Spirit, in the physical form of a dove descended (and landed upon Jesus, John 1.32). 
• God the Father spoke: You are My beloved Son, in You I am well-pleased 

This event carries with it an example that we should follow: while Jesus was praying, He was baptized. 

This event carries with it a result that pictures what we receive when we are saved: The Holy Spirit descends upon us and rests upon us and the Father is pleased with us. 

It’s Time! Let’s Roll!

This event kicks off Jesus’ public ministry. The purpose of His ministry was to save the lost. This act of Jesus’ baptism and the response of God the Father carries with it the picture of what occurs with all of us when we are saved.

The example of Jesus is seen and testified in many ways in the book Luke. The story of Zacchaeus especially captured my attention as I cross referenced many passages. In Luke 19, Jesus has an encounter with Zacchaeus, the tax collector.  

Within the story of Zacchaeus, Jesus revealed His purpose on earth: He came to seek and to save that which was lost, (19.10). This is significant. 

Zacchaeus was lost. Jesus sought him out and saved him. The story is brief. Jesus looked at Zacchaeus and said, Zaccheus, hurry and come down, for today I must stay at your house. And he hurried and came down and received Him gladly, (19;5,6). 

Just like Zacchaeus, Jesus ‘seeks’ us out, and by faith, when we respond with gladness, some truly amazing things take place. My premise is that the baptism of Jesus gives a picture of what occurs when we are saved. (In a sense, what happens behind the scenes).

The text doesn’t say that Zacchaeus was physically baptized. That probably came later on the day of Pentecost, after Jesus ascended, Acts 3. Nevertheless, just like Jesus modeled, (while He was praying, He was baptized), Zacchaeus was speaking with Jesus and his heart was immersed and washed and He was saved.  

And Jesus said to him (Zacchaeus), Today. Salvation has come to this house, Luke 19.9. 

In the story of Zacchaeus, at the point he was saved, there’s a few things that didn’t happen:

• The heavens didn’t open up 
• The Holy Spirit as a dove didn’t descend upon him 
• God didn’t speak to Zacchaeus and say He was pleased with him.  

None of that happened to Zaccheus as it did with Jesus. Or did it? 

Did the heavens open up when Zacchaeus was saved?  

• I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents, Luke 15.10. 

Did the Holy Spirit descend and rest upon Zaccheus?  

• In Romans, Paul says but if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you, Romans 8.11. 

Did God the Father speak and say that He was pleased with Zacchaeus? 

• In Romans 2:29, Paul teaches that the real children of God are those whose hearts have been transformed. But he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that which is of the heart, by the Spirit, not the letter (the law), and his praise is not from men, but from God. In the story of Zacchaeus, it says that the people of the village began to grumble about Zacchaeus. Zaccheus’ praise was not from men, but from God. 

Jesus’ baptism portrays a full and beautiful picture of what Jesus did in the life of Zacchaeus and in all of our lives who receive Jesus by faith.

• Our sins are buried 
• We are raised to a new life 
• Heaven rejoices 
• The Spirit comes upon us 
• God is satisfied and pleased with us. 

Paul sums it up perfectly in Titus 3.5: 

But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared (when Jesus came to earth), He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior. 

Father, forgive us for not always realizing and acknowledging just how much You have done for us. The story of Jesus’ baptism gives us a renewed realization of ALL you have given to us. Yes, it was a unique experience of Jesus, marking the beginning of His public ministry. But it opens our eyes to what You have done for us as well. May we reflect today on the beautiful reality that heaven rejoices over our salvation, You have given us Your Holy Spirit and because of Christ in us, You are pleased with us. Amazing! Amazing! Amazing! Amen!

Last time, I wrote: 

The word of God doesn’t come to us the same way it came to the Prophets. But what we have is much better. We have the full compilation of God’s Word available to us to read, study and reflect upon. What a treasure and what a gift. 

The ‘Word of God’ comes to us when we go to the Word, dive in and allow the Word come to us. 

Fortunately, God isn’t distant and removed from us. He has spoken divine and fully inspired words that when combined, Old and New testaments, form the complete, ‘once for all’ delivered Word of God. This Word provides us with everything we need for life. 

Consider this analogy of the ocean as the word of God in your life: 

God’s Word is as simple and enjoyable as dipping your toe into a child’s wading pool. God’s word is also as deep and comprehensive as the depths of the ocean…and everything in between.  

To dip your toe into the wading pool is refreshing and it takes little effort; no preparation, no extra equipment, no problem. I recommend you dip your toe into it often; enjoy and be refreshed. 

If that’s not enough, consider the ocean. You may want to watch a documentary of the ocean. You can enjoy the cinematic view of the work of others. They paid the price to research and document the experience. You can now sit in the comfort of your home, turn on the TV and enjoy a view of the ocean via the experience of others on the screen.   

Want more? Head to the ocean, walk on the sand and jump in. This gives you a first-hand experience of the ocean. You can take vacations to the ocean and enjoy a week. Swim, body surf, snorkel, etc. Sometimes the water is calm and other times, the power of the surf can be seen and felt. You can sense the subtle power of the ocean while maintaining your safety in two feet of water. 

Want more still? Why not just move to a beach front home and take a dip into the ocean every day? (this is just an analogy so money’s not an issue :). Begin each morning soaking in the view of the sunrise painting an exquisite masterpiece over the surface of the water. Enjoy a stroll on the beach at dusk reflecting upon the beautify and majesty of God’s creation. 

The daily experience of the ocean will relieve your stress, provide perspective on the issues of life and bring healing to your body and mind. You will appreciate the warm sunny days but because you live on the beach, the changing weather patterns will not alarm you like it does the vacationers. You will embrace the experience of the ocean and witness the changing patterns of the weather. By living near the beach, you’ll enjoy the sunshine but be ready for the storms. 

Is there more? The beach is wonderful but there is a whole ocean out there. How can I go beyond the wonder of my view and experience of the ocean?   If you want to explore the expanse of the ocean, it will take some extended time. Preparation and equipment will be needed. Boats, charters, guides, diving equipment and lessons, etc. There’s a price to pay. But the rewards of exploring the vastness and wonders of ocean in real time and in person, well, it is spectacular. 

Dip your toe in the wading pool and be refreshed. Let the journey begin. See how far you can go.

Reflect: How is the ocean like the Word of God in your life? 

Lord, how grateful we are that you have spoken. Forgive us for taking Your Word lightly. We are grateful to be able to dip our toes into the refreshing passages that you have scattered throughout the Bible. But deep down, we know there is much more. We confess that the answers of life and all that we need resides within Your Word. Lead us deeper. Give us courage and perseverance. Then reward us with grace upon grace and blessings upon blessings. Amen! 

Have you ever thought about this question? What if God wasn’t a communicator? 

God is not silent! 

A phrase that captured my attention is in verse 2 is; the word of God came to John. What does that mean? 

• When I pick up the Bible, does that mean the ‘the word of God’ came to me? 
• When I hear a sermon, does that mean the ‘the word of God’ came to me? 
• When I pray and I sense the whisper of God, does that mean ‘the word of God’ came to me? 

An important part of our time in the Word of reading, reflecting and writing involves asking questions during the reflection time. What does it mean here regarding John the Baptist and that the word of God came to him? Our questions provide us the opportunity to search the Bible with intent for answers. The Bible interprets the Bible. 

Therefore, I believe the answer to our question this morning lies in the following verses: what does it mean that the word of God came to John? 

Now the word of the Lord came to me saying, ‘Go and proclaim in the ears of Jerusalem, saying, thus says the Lord’... Jeremiah 2.1 

The word of the Lord came expressly to Ezekiel the priest… Ezekiel 1.3 

When the Lord first spoke through Hosea…Hosea 1.2 

The word of the Lord which came to Zephaniah… Zephaniah 1.1 

Additionally, Amos, Habakkuk and Micah describe the word of God as coming to them as something that they SAW. It came as a vision. 

The phrase the word of God came to John is a phrase that is reserved for the Prophets of God. When John appears on the scene, God had not spoken through a prophet for over 400 years. (Not since Malachi). 

This experience of the word of God coming to John was a unique experience that happened to the prophets only. It happened at particular times history-past, John 1.33. The prophets were used by God for a special purpose and a specific message was needed at the time. The messages of the prophets carry themes and principles that we can use and apply to our lives, but these were messages specifically for the times they were given. 

That was then and this is now 

Today we have the complete Word of God. Yes, it doesn’t reveal EVERYTHING about God, but it gives us everything we need. 2 Peter 1.3; Jude 1.3. If God were to disclose everything about Himself, the world could not contain all the books, John 21.25. But what He has given is considered complete, Jude 3.1, and is sufficient for all that we need. 

I get concerned when I hear the phrase, ‘I have a new word from the Lord.’ Sometimes people search for something ‘new’ when the fullness of what God says to us is right in front of us. We don’t need a ‘new’ word from God until we have fully learned and applied what we already have in the Bible. 

What we have is much better 

The word of God doesn’t come to us the same way it came to the Prophets. But what we have is much better. We have the full compilation of God’s Word available to us to read, study and reflect upon. What a treasure and what a gift. 

The ‘Word of God’ comes to us when we go to the Word, dive in and allow the Word come to us.

Fortunately, God isn’t distant and removed from us. He has spoken divine and fully inspired words that when combined, Old and New testaments, form the complete, ‘once for all’ delivered Word of God. This Word provides us with everything we need for life.  

Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord; seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who calls us by His own glory and excellence. 2 Peter 1.3. 

Listen to Hillsong Worship’s song “Your Word” to reflect on the amazing grace found in the Word of God.

Father God, You have spoken! Your Word created everything out of nothing. There is no greater power than Your Word. Your Word, though I was dead, made me alive. You created life in me out of nothing, through Your Word. And now that I am alive, Your Word gives me the fullness of life and gives me everything I need. I am forever grateful and forever surrendered to you, my great loving and precious God. You have spoken! Amen. 

Let’s discuss the concept of gaining favor. In the corporate world I have heard phrases such as: 

• He’s a real suck-up
• He’s got his lips locked to his boss’ butt 
• Watch out! She’ll throw you under the bus in order to make herself look good 

Not very flattering statements. We often feel the strong urge to look good in the eyes of others; especially those of influence and standing. But people struggle with the right way to gain favor with others. 

Let’s read these two verses about Jesus in his youth. We will also consider a couple of supporting references from the Old Testament. 

Gaining favor with God and man

The Child continued to grow and become strong, increasing in wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him. Luke 2:40 

And Jesus kept increasing in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men. Luke 2:52 

Now the boy Samuel was growing in stature and in favor both with the Lord and with men. I Samuel 2:26 

Do not let kindness and truth leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good repute in the sight of God and man.  Proverbs 3.3,4 

Let’s look at them again a little closer. What is the main theme? 

• Jesus: the grace of God was upon Him. And Jesus kept increasing in… favor with God and men. 
• Samuel: growing in favor both with the Lord and with men. 
• Proverbs: Do not let kindness and truth leave you….so you will find favor and good repute in the sight of God and man. 

I opened with a few bad examples of how people attempt to gain favor. But in these Scriptures, we see some positive examples of gaining favor from Jesus and Samuel as well as a predictive Proverb to instruct us. 

Favor with God 

The pursuit of ‘gaining favor with God is a slippery slope! Why? Because the delicate outcome of ‘gaining favor’ with God is counter-intuitive to our natural tendencies.  

Gaining favor with God is not about doing. Our natural tendency is to do; to take action; to gain favor by acting a certain way and doing something.  

It is not about setting the goal to ‘do things’ in order to gain favor. All of the religions of the world, other than Christianity, are about acting and doing things in order to achieve favor with God or a god. 

Do you want favor with God? 

Recieve it! Accept the free gift of salvation by faith. Accept it without ‘doing’ anything to deserve it. Embrace the truth of the gospel and be right with God.

Now that you have gain forgiveness and favor with God, what should you do? Now you can take action with your heart, honor God. 

And what does the Lord require of you but to do justice (to stand for the truth), to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8 

Favor with People 

Now, what about gaining favor with people. Do you want favor with others? This is where hypocrisy and ‘kissing up’ can rear its ugly head. Be careful. It’s not about acting in such a way as to ‘look good’ to others. 

According to Proverbs 3.3.,4, it is two things: 

• The Truth: stand upon the principles of God and live them out in good times and bad times. Don’t do it to gain favor with others. Do it because it is right. Even those who do not believe as you do, will respect you for being consistent and standing strong on what you believe. Not everyone is going to like you. You will endure resistance, difficulty, loneliness and even persecution. But those of us with noble and principled hearts will be respected. 
• Kindness: don’t parse out your kindness to select people whom you hope to impress. BE KIND TO EVERYONE; IN ALL SITUATIONS; AT ALL TIMES. 

Who are the Christian people you most admire and respect the most? I guarantee they are principled individuals who know God’s Truth and live it humbly with conviction. I’m also sure they are gracious and kind to all.  

They don’t do these things to impress others. It is who they are.  

May God grant you much favor today to live under the umbrella of His truth and lovingkindness. May God fill your soul with grace so to speak with Him throughout this day, speaking humbly and conversing lovingly with Him and with others you come contact with today. May God pour out His grace upon you that you might consciously love Him and others at all times and at every moment – a lofty request – for all things are possible with Him. Amen! 

And Jesus kept increasing in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men. Luke 2:52 

Now the boy Samuel was growing in stature and in favor both with the Lord and with men. I Samuel 2:26 

Do not let kindness and truth leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good repute in the sight of God and man.  Proverbs 3.3,4 

Jesus’ Development

I have a couple of questions related to the two passages about Jesus’ development: 

1. I understand about Jesus’ growth in stature. He took on a human body from birth so his body developed as he aged. Got it. That’s the human side of God the Son. But how is it that Jesus grew in wisdom? God doesn’t learn or mature. He’s God. 
2. How is that one gains favor with both God AND Men? In the book of John, Jesus warns that the world will hate the disciples and hate anyone who follows Jesus. 

My journey through the Bible has a simple structure to it.

1. Read progressively through Bible books.
2. Reflect and ask straightforward questions.
3. Find other verses in the Bible that relate to the passage being studied such as in this case, I Samuel 2:26 and Proverbs 3.3,4 (use cross reference tools)
4. Start writing and attempt to answer the questions. That’s really all I do. You can do it too. The discoveries are exhilarating.

HOW?

How is it that God the Son, Jesus increased in wisdom? Let’s start with what we know to be true. Jesus was fully God so He possessed all the attributes of God. He didn’t relinquish any of His Deity.  

We also know that (most of the time) He choose not to use and express His attributes while living within His human body. 

In Philippians 2:5-8, you can read how Jesus humbled Himself and didn’t grasp or cling to His right to use, or exercise or show forth all His attributes. He didn’t give them up but He did choose to not fully exercise them. 

Here’s a simple illustration  

A wealthy man follows a calling to be a missionary in a poor village in Africa. He chooses to live among them in humility. His wealth remains in multiple investment accounts back in the states. He can access and use his money whenever he wants.  

He knows that if he uses his wealth to build an elaborate house for himself in this poor village, he will alienate himself from the very people he wants to share the gospel with. Also, if he floods the village with his money, it will cause more harm than good. At times, he may use a small portion of money to help the people in the village. But he does very sparingly. (At times, Jesus used His power to do miracles when they were needed). 

He becomes part of the village and he adds value to the community by working so that he can make some money to live in the village as one of them. He never gave up his wealth, but he chooses not to cling to it or use it. He chose not to use his wealth out of humility and a heart to serve others.  

I’m sure you can see how this simple illustration helps us understand a complex theological issue.  Theologians call it the ‘kenosis’; a Greek word meaning ‘to empty’. (I’m an amateur theology geek). It is from Philippians 2:7; 

Although He existed in the form of God, He did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself… 

So, when Luke tells us twice (2:40 and 2:52) that Jesus increased in wisdom, I can see now what he is teaching us; that Jesus progressively, as He grew in stature, revealed His wisdom more and more as He grew older and as time progressed. As God, He possesses ALL KNOWLEDGE and WISDOM. But He went through the same educational process that his brothers and sisters went through as Jewish children. He revealed His wisdom progressively as He matured and grew into a young man. 

Are we increasing in wisdom as followers of Jesus? 

Wisdom is the application of knowledge. We must first learn the truth. We apply ourselves to the Word of God; the truth. As we learn the truth (knowledge), we grow in wisdom by applying the truth to our daily lives. This is growing in wisdom. This is living scripture daily!  

Let us apply our minds to learn the truth and then apply ourselves, heart, soul and body, to living out the truth. Let’s be like Jesus; increasing in wisdom!!! Living Scripture Daily!

Next time we’ll consider the principle of ‘gaining favor with God and Men! 

Father God, praise You for Your wisdom and kindness to send Your Son to earth. Jesus, thank You for leaving the comforts of heaven to dwell among us. You came not to be served, but to serve, and to give Your life as a ransom for each of us. May we follow You with a heart to increase in wisdom, to live and serve for Your honor and Your glory. Amen!