What Can Jesus Know about Stepping Out in Faith?

Read Matthew 3:1-17

      For many modern Christians, Jesus deity has swallowed up his humanity.  In other words, it is easy for us to think of Jesus as God, but considerably more difficult for us to think about what it could mean for Jesus to be human, just like us.    

      When was the first time Jesus heard the Father’s audible voice?  Many would say that he probably heard it all the time, since he was the sinless Son of God from the very beginning.  But the first time in the Bible is at his baptism, the inauguration of his messianic ministry.      

      Can you imagine the boy Jesus growing up and becoming “strong in spirit” (Luke 1:80)?  Can you imagine a young boy of twelve coming to the conviction that his own relationship with God was unique among men (astonishing his parents; Luke 2:49)?  Finally, can you imagine this same person as an adult daring to believe that the Bible’s messianic prophecies were about him specifically, and that it was time to fulfill his life’s purpose? 

      Jesus knows all about stepping out in faith, just as he asks us to do in obedience to him.  And what a reward and confirmation he was given:  “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased” (3:17).