The Spirit of God
That which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit . . . and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him . . . Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. (Matthew 1:20; 3:16; 4:1)
Conception
We appreciate the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives by considering the work of the Spirit in the life of Jesus. From the very beginning of Jesus’ history upon earth as Emmanuel, God with us, the Holy Spirit was involved. During Joseph’s consideration over Mary’s pregnancy, an angel comforted him by announcing: “That which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.“ Jesus’ conception was not of man, but of the Spirit.
Identity through Baptism
When Jesus was identifying Himself with sinful humanity through His baptism by John, the Holy Spirit was again at work. “And He saw the Spirit of God descended like a dove and rested upon Him.” Jesus in preparation to begin His public ministry as the Messiah, the Spirit of God came upon Him for confirmation and empowering. The Son of God came to earth as a servant, putting aside His divine being. Jesus “made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a servant” (Philippians 2:7). His service depends upon the Spirit. Jesus’ ministry is not of man (even the perfect Man), but of God.
Lead by the Spirit
As Jesus went from His baptism to fulfill His mission, the Holy Spirit was still fully involved in His life. “Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.” Jesus at no point ceased to be God, (the Son), yet He did not lead Himself about upon reliance of His divine omniscience (His perfect and complete knowledge). Rather His guidance was through the Holy Spirit.
These three insights of the Holy Spirit working in Jesus’ life are applicable to us.
- First, the Holy Spirit worked for Jesus to be born here on earth. The same Spirit of God had to work for us to be born into the family of God… it is written “Unless one is born of . . . the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God” (John 3:5).
- Second, the Holy Spirit was active in the ministry of Jesus as Messiah. The Spirit must be the one who brings us spiritual justification and power in our service of God: “Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit” (Zechariah 4:6).
- Third, Jesus relied upon the Spirit to lead and to guide Him through life. We also need that same work of the Spirit. “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God” (Romans 8:14).
Merciful Father, I thank You for giving me a new birth by Your Spirit. You are the good Shepherd: the Captain of my soul; lead me through the path of your righteousness… Strengthen me to live my life in your service through the power of your Holy Spirit, and lead me day by day to work according to Your divine will.
Amen.