Beloved Son

Behold, My Servant whom I have chosen; My Beloved in whom My soul is well-pleased (Matthew 12:18).

Jesus was confronted by the elders of Israel for disregarding their laws concerning the Sabbath - twice. In the first incident He qualified His actions by stating that the Sabbath was created for man and not man for the Sabbath. He proved this by referring to King David who, when hungry, ate the showbread from the Temple - bread that was reserved for the priests.

In the second incident, He qualified His actions by stating that human need is greater than the Sabbath and not the need of the Sabbath over man. He proved this by referring to the normal practice of herdsmen who would save distressed animals on the Sabbath, and by healing the man with the withered hand.

The elders were so enraged they conspired to kill Jesus. But He left for the Sea of Galilee. A crowd of people from Galilee, Judea, Jerusalem, Idumea, beyond Jordan, along with people from Tyre and Sidon followed Him (Mark 3:7-8). They brought their sick. Jesus healed them. This was in accordance with Isaiah’s prophecy (42:1-4).

Matthew’s purpose in writing his Gospel is to prove that Jesus is the Messiah of God, the King of the Jews. While the elders of Israel hated Jesus, the common folk loved Him. His love, compassion, grace, mercy, and divine power to heal the sick proved His love for them.

‘My beloved Son’ is the title God the Father gave to Jesus to express their closeness and love for each other. It expresses that Jesus Christ, though subordinate to the Father in the flesh, is equal with the Father in all other aspects. “My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand. I and the Father are one" (John 10:29-30).

Many people today are ignorant or confused regarding who Jesus Christ really is. Several theologians share in this ignorance and confusion. As Christians we cannot be indecisive in our understanding of who Jesus is. More than Lord and Savior of the Christian, more than the Messiah of Israel, more than an itinerate preacher and teacher with divine power, Jesus is the Christ, the beloved Son of the one true and living God. In all things He is well pleasing (approved of) to the Father. The simple truth is that if we do not believe Him to be who He says He is, then there is no escape from God’s judgment upon us for sin, no salvation for the sinner, and no hope of eternal life in glory. Of this we can be sure of.

“Thank You Lord for opening my eyes to the truth concerning Your beloved Son, Jesus Christ. Thank You for the convicting and convincing power of Your Holy Spirit that brought me to my knees in repentance and faith in the One who died upon the cross, bearing my sin, and opening the fountain of eternal life for me. Never allow my mind to become confused on these things. To Your honor and glory I ask. Amen.” 

Pastor