Sunday 11th January
Read Matthew 3:16-17
“As soon as Jesus was baptised, 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. 17 And a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.’” (NIVUK)
In the last statement of who Jesus is, God draws upon one of the richest traditions in Israel. Jesus is the royal Davidic Son, the Abrahamic promised heir and the Suffering Servant who would restore Israel and bring peace to the world.
“‘Here is my servant, whom I uphold,
my chosen one in whom I delight;
I will put my Spirit on him,
and he will bring justice to the nations.
2 He will not shout or cry out,
or raise his voice in the streets.
3 A bruised reed he will not break,
and a smouldering wick he will not snuff out.
In faithfulness he will bring forth justice;
4 he will not falter or be discouraged
till he establishes justice on earth.
In his teaching the islands will put their hope.’” (Isaiah 42:1-4) (NIVUK)
The Spirit descended like a dove upon in Him at baptism and the divine voice proclaims who He is. Isaiah draws together humility and kingship. The Servant is one upheld by God, who brings joy and peace and mercy, not just to Israel, but the whole world. Yet at the same time the royal functions of dispensing and establishing justice are in his hands. A remarkably paradoxical combination of royalty and service, peace and justice. How could this be delivered by one person?
Only through mercy and sacrifice.
Meekness and majesty
Manhood and deity
In perfect harmony
The Man who is God
Lord of eternity
Dwells in humanity
Kneels in humility
And washes our feet
Oh what a mystery
Meekness and majesty
Bow down and worship
For this is your God
This is your God (Meekness and Majesty – Graham Kendrick)
