Matthew 3:16-17
As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” Matthew 3:16-17 (NIV)
I don’t know how many times I’ve read this text or at least heard some reference to the story of Jesus’ baptism. It must be in the hundreds. But this is the first time I’ve noticed that Jesus “saw” the Spirit of God descend on him. Why would Matthew’s Gospel need to point out that Jesus sees it descend rather than simply saying that it happened?
Maybe it’s beneficial for us to have a visual sense of the Spirit coming to Jesus and, by extension, to us. Maybe if we can understand the Spirit as a tangible thing that assists and guides us, we will be more likely to remember that we are connected to God in a profound way. I tend to forget that on a daily basis. Walking around with a dove on my head would probably be a good reminder.
Last year my wife and I took a trip to Arizona, and we were fortunate to eat at an outdoor restaurant next to a beautiful river. As we watched the water flow rapidly over the stones, we saw a man wading down the stream. He looked to be about 70, and he moved methodically, slowly, almost as if he were doing Tai Chi. He had to move slowly to keep from falling, but there was also something meditative in his movements that mesmerized us. I asked the waiter if he had seen the man before. “Every evening at this time,” he said. “And then he does it again in the morning.”
I wish we could live with the Holy Spirit that way—deliberately, mindfully, and consistently. The first step, I imagine, is to visualize it and feel it as a tangible thing—to remember each day who powers us and what we can accomplish in the world with the Spirit’s help.
Questions for Reflection:
- How do you imagine the Holy Spirit operating in your life? As a force, a person, a voice, or something else entirely? How would each of those perspectives alter the way we experience the Spirit?
- What do you do to stay tuned in to your spiritual life? What spiritual practice could you add to keep the Spirit front and center?
Prayer
Spirit of God, remind us always of your presence, prompt us, and enliven us so that we may live out the purpose and fulfillment of a life in You. Amen.
Login To Leave Comment