There are at least three recorded accounts of the Father’s public endorsement of Jesus. The first was at the very beginning of His public ministry, which is covered by our text. As soon as Jesus came out of Jordan where He had been baptized the Father said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased”. Fast-forward to the middle of His ministry. As He prayed on the mount of transfiguration having Peter, James, and John as witnesses, the Father’s voice of approval sounded again; echoing literally what took place at Jordan. Finally, in the closing stages of His ministry just before He embraced the cross, He prayed that the Father might glorify His name. That prayer received a kind of immediate and public answer as the Father affirmed that He had glorified it, and will do it all over again. Everyone in the vicinity heard the voice of God. (See John 12:27-29).
All through His stay on earth, Jesus did not concern Himself with the approval of people. Actually, the Bible says He did not commit Himself to people because He knew what was in their heart. Assertively, Jesus said, “I do not receive honor from men” (John 5:41). Undue attention for man’s honour may becloud one to what God has in store. “How can you believe, who receive honor from one another, and do not seek the honor that comes from the only God?” (John 5:44). Nothing lasts like the honour God bestows.
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