Jesus Prays at His Baptism
Each of the four gospels presents a different view of Jesus. Matthew, being a Levite, emphasizes Jesus as the Messiah, the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, and fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies. Mark, as an amanuensis or secretary, tells the story of what Jesus accomplished in graphic images. John was focused on Jesus as the Son of God and thus writes about the many miracles that Jesus accomplished.
Luke was a Gentile and a doctor and as such, his gospel reflects a very distinctive point of view, emphasizing Jesus as the Son of Man. Throughout he is careful to portray Jesus’ humanity. Luke is also very careful to point out the references where Jesus was praying. Time and time again, we find Luke making mention of the fact that Jesus was praying when certain things transpired and before certain decisions were made. Luke’s emphasis on the human side of the nature of Jesus gives us keener insight into the prayer life of Jesus more than any of the other gospels. It is only Luke’s gospel that points out the fact that Jesus was praying when He was baptized and filled with the Holy Spirit.
When all the people were baptized, Jesus also was baptized. As He was praying, heaven opened, and the Holy Spirit descended on Him in a physical appearance like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are My beloved Son. I take delight in You!”
Luke 3:21-22
Luke testifies in the Gospel name for him that Jesus’ humanity, much like our humanity, is intrinsically tied to a relationship with God the Father and that the conduit for this relationship is prayer. Since Jesus, God incarnate Himself, had the need to pray regularly, how much more should we in our humanity need to do the same? How is your prayer life?
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AND HE SAID TO THEM, “IT IS WRITTEN, MY HOUSE WILL BE CALLED A HOUSE OF PRAYER…”
