Luke 3:21-22 (ESV)
[21] Now when all the people were
baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heavens
were opened, [22] and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form, like a
dove; and a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well
pleased.”
Only Luke mentions that Jesus was
praying when the Holy Spirit descended on him. For Luke that is significant. It
anticipates the time when the Holy Spirit will descend on the disciples in Acts
2 while they are praying. Acts is Luke’s sequel to his gospel. The Holy Spirit
here presents as a dove. In Acts he presents as tongues of fire. Most of the
time the Holy Spirit is the unseen member of the Godhead.
In Luke 4 Jesus if filled with the Holy Spirit
and led by the Spirit into the wilderness where he is tempted. In Luke 10 Jesus
rejoiced in the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit was active in the life and
ministry of Jesus. In Luke 11 Jesus promised that the Father would give the
Holy Spirit to whoever asked. In Luke 12 he warned against sinning against the Holy
Spirit but promised that for his disciples the Holy Spirit will teach us what
to say when arrested and called on to defend ourselves.
The Holy Spirit is the unseen
member of the Godhead who encourages, equips, and empowers. He does not bring
glory to himself, but to the Father and to the Son, yet he is a very real presence
in the life of the believer. If Jesus’ ministry was characterized by the
guidance and empowerment of the Holy Spirit, can we expect to serve without him?
May our daily prayer as believers be, “Father, fill me, guide me, and empower
me by your Spirit.” And of course, “Father, is there anything in my life that
would hinder your Spirit’s work in me?”
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