Central Truth

At Jesus' baptism, Christ is glorified, and God reveals Himself to the world in three Persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

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Reflections

A few years ago, I was asked by a five-year-old, “Cosmo, how can Jesus be God, and God be Jesus? It does not make sense. How can they be the same person, but different people?”  

How do you explain that to a five-year-old child? And she did not even mention the Holy Spirit! I told my sweet friend that it is similar to your parents: You have a mom and a dad who are two different people, but they are both your parents. This is not the best example, and it does not fully address the Trinity. If you want more clarification, please go to http://www.watermarkradio.com and download the sermon "The Big XII: The Trinity: Who It Is and Why It Matters" (Todd Wagner, September 27, 2009). You will be given more to think about than the five-year-old!

In His baptism by John, Jesus foreshadows the importance of faith in Christ alone for forgiveness of sins. But we also see the Trinity revealed in Mark 1:10 (the Spirit) and 1:11 (the Father). How amazing! Can you imagine yourself being there when John raised Christ from the water? The heavens opened, the Spirit descended as a dove, and the voice of God said, “You are My beloved Son, in You I am well-pleased.” (1:11) We cannot fully understand how awesome this event was. The Trinity was confirmed: God the Father was in heaven, Jesus was on earth, and the Spirit descended in the form of a dove. What an example of encouragement,
validation, and joy coming from all three Persons of the Trinity. Talk about unity! 

As I reflect on this passage, I recognize that my focus is constantly on myself. I am, too often, selfish with my time, money, thoughts, and ambitions. Colossians 3:2 says, “Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.” What a difference that perspective makes in my daily actions and attitude! When I align my thoughts with His, I become more of a sacrificial servant who is compassionate about the lives and hearts of others.

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Discussion Questions

1. If asked, how would you answer the Trinity question? Why does it matter how you answer this question?

2. How are you becoming more like Christ?

3. Where is your life's focus?

FAMILY DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. John the Baptist prepared the way for people to meet Jesus. What did John the Baptist tell the people they needed to do (verse 4)?

2. What do we have to do to “meet Jesus”?  

3. Have you admitted you are a sinner and need God to forgive you?

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