10   And just as he was coming up out the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. 11 And a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved, with you I am well pleased.”

      -Mark 1:10-11 (NRSV)

John the Baptist is a man on a mission. Suddenly appearing in the wilderness and preaching repentance, John and his ministry spread far and wide. His message resonated throughout the countryside, punctuated by his counter-cultural style and strange eating habits. Yet, instead of claiming himself to be a savior or a messiah, John directed the droves of folks coming to be baptized by him to look ahead to the future emergence of Christ, even before Jesus traveled from Galilee to the river Jordan to meet and be baptized by John. Seeing the “heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove” shows us that Jesus’s baptism represents a pivotal moment for John, Jesus, and us! 

John’s baptism of Jesus proves that service to God is a family affair. Still, the most exciting part of Jesus’ baptism story, especially when considering the family ties between Jesus and John, are the words of God that shower down from heaven as Jesus emerges from the waters of the river Jordan. Here, we get a peek at the sort of loving recognition that many of us struggle to give to our children and spouses. Rising from the water following His baptism, Jesus is recognized lovingly, as His Father pronounces, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.” God gives us an example of how a loving father recognizes a son’s service and commitment to God’s will. Rather than struggling to offer words of affirmation to His Son, God showers Jesus with love!

As parents, and as fathers in particular, we can surely learn from God (duh!). While some fathers struggle to address their sons with love, compassion, and patience, God excels. Offering love to our children shouldn’t be as difficult as we sometimes make it. There aren’t any perfect words to say, and as God shows us, sometimes merely saying the true and obvious thing is enough! Spouses should also follow suit, recognizing each other as valuable, essential, and beloved figures in each other's lives, with service to God and family being the only necessary prerequisites. As children, we have to work too! Although our parents should recognize and appreciate our service to God, family, and community, many of our parents will fall short. Nevertheless, we should treat our service to God, the Church, and the world around us as an example of our love for our parents, even if they struggle to recognize us and our love for them and God.  

Heavenly Father, we humbly pray that this family develops the courage to speak to each other with love and grace! Many families struggle with unloving speech between family members, and this family is no different. Please remember that we are committed to love, even when our words veer from the warmth and compassion Your children deserve. God, place this family closer to You through good speech between one another. Amen!

Questions for reflection: When did your family last argue over tone of voice or unkind speech? How often does this happen? Although your family may act lovingly toward one another, what are three things your family could do to increase kindness and compassion through speech?  



Ministries
Children and Family Ministry