John 1:31–33 “I myself did not know him, but the reason I came baptizing with water was that he might be revealed to Israel.” Then John gave this testimony: “I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him. And I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ ”
Jesus Christ is the most significant person in the history of the world.
How did He perfectly say no to sin, walk in obedience to the Father, forgive His enemies, always tell the truth, and change the world?
By the power of God the Holy Spirit. While on the earth, Jesus was fully God, but He did not continually avail Himself to the use of His divine attributes. Most of the time, Jesus humbly chose to learn and live like we do in full humanity. He did this to sympathize with us and to be a perfect substitute for us.
When John the Baptizer refers to the baptism of Jesus Christ, he highlights one of the most important events in world history. Whereas sinners were baptized for remission of sin, Jesus was baptized to reveal Himself as their Savior. That is why John says, “I came baptizing with water… that he might be revealed to Israel.”
Until this event, John was very well known, and Jesus was virtually unknown. All of that changed when the entire Trinity was revealed. Jesus came up out of water, the Holy Spirit descended upon Him like a dove, and the Father spoke from heaven declaring Jesus to be the Son of God. Since the Father is the highest authority there could possibly be, this unveiling of Jesus was the launching of His public ministry with ultimate authority.
John adds a helpful phrase that is not included in the other Gospel accounts. He says that the Spirit “remained on” Jesus Christ. This is to show that the Holy Spirit continually resided with Jesus, empowering His entire life and ministry. Amazingly, this is the same Holy Spirit that empowers every Christian to live by Jesus’ power as we become more and more like Him in our character and conduct.
Is there any area of your life that you currently need more of the Holy Spirit’s power for? Take some time to invite the Holy Spirit to bring you His presence and power and then receive it.