Week #1: Trinity Revealed
Blog Series Intention Recap
Water in three forms? A four-leaf clover? A mystery? The Trinity defies easy explanation, but its beauty is no less real. This four-week series explores the doctrine of the Trinity and reveals how a greater appreciation of the Trinity sheds light on what we understand about the Father’s love, the Son’s gift of salvation, and the Spirit’s invitation to community.
This post is part of the series “Trinity.” Click here to see the rest of the posts.
Let’s jump into Week #1:
The baptism of Jesus in Matthew 3:13-17 reveals the mystery of the Trinity, showing how God is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Why it matters:
The Trinity is one God in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Jesus' baptism shows the Trinity in action: the Son is baptized, the Spirit descends, and the Father speaks.
Each person of the Trinity has a distinct role but shares one divine nature.
Understanding the Trinity helps us know God better and grow in our faith.
Go Deeper
The concept of the Trinity is one of the most important beliefs in Christianity. It teaches us that there is one God who exists in three persons: the Father, the Son (Jesus), and the Holy Spirit. This belief is clearly illustrated in the story of Jesus' baptism found in Matthew 3:13-17. Let’s explore this passage to understand more about the Trinity and its significance for our faith.
Jesus' Baptism: A Clear Picture of the Trinity
In the Gospel of Matthew, we read about Jesus coming to John the Baptist to be baptized. This event shows us all three persons of the Trinity simultaneously. Here is what happens in the story:
Jesus, the Son, Comes to Be Baptized
Jesus travels from Galilee to the Jordan River to be baptized by John. This act of Jesus shows His humility and His desire to identify with humanity, even though He is without sin. As the Son of God, Jesus takes this step to fulfill all righteousness.The Holy Spirit Descends Like a Dove
After Jesus is baptized, the heavens open, and the Holy Spirit comes down like a dove and rests on Him. The Holy Spirit’s descent signifies God’s presence and anointing on Jesus as He begins His public ministry. The dove is a symbol of peace and purity, representing the Holy Spirit's gentle and powerful work.The Father Speaks from Heaven
Then, a voice from heaven says, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased." This voice is God the Father, expressing His love and approval of Jesus. The Father’s declaration confirms Jesus’ identity and mission.
One God in Three Persons
The Trinity means that God is one in essence but exists in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Each person is fully God, yet there is only one God. This might seem hard to understand, but the Bible consistently shows this truth.
God the Father: The Father is the creator and sustainer of everything. He loves us and sent His Son, Jesus, to save us.
God the Son: Jesus, the Son, is God who became human. He lived a perfect life, died for our sins, and rose again to give us eternal life.
God the Holy Spirit: The Spirit lives in believers, guiding and empowering us to live for God. He comforts, teaches, and helps us grow in our faith.
Distinct Roles, One Divine Nature
Although the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit have different roles, they are united in their divine nature and purpose. This unity is evident in the baptism of Jesus. Here’s how:
The Father’s Role: The Father speaks from heaven, affirming Jesus' identity and mission. He expresses His love and approval, showing His relationship with the Son.
The Son’s Role: Jesus, the Son, is baptized to fulfill righteousness and to identify with humanity. His baptism marks the beginning of His public ministry and His mission to save us.
The Spirit’s Role: The Holy Spirit descends upon Jesus, anointing and empowering Him for His ministry. The Spirit’s presence shows God’s approval and support for Jesus' mission.
How does this help me understand, “Trinity?”
Knowing about the Trinity helps us understand God’s nature and His work in our lives. Here are a few ways this knowledge can strengthen our faith:
Deeper Relationship with God: Understanding the Trinity helps us relate to God in different ways. We can pray to the Father, follow the example of Jesus, and rely on the Holy Spirit's guidance.
Better Understanding of Salvation: The Trinity shows us how each person of God is involved in our salvation. The Father plans our salvation, the Son accomplishes it, and the Holy Spirit applies it to our lives.
Greater Appreciation of God's Love: The Trinity reveals the depth of God’s love. The Father’s love in sending His Son, the Son’s love in sacrificing Himself, and the Spirit’s love in living within us show how much God cares for us.
The baptism of Jesus in Matthew 3:13-17 provides a beautiful and clear picture of the Trinity. It shows us how the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit work together in perfect harmony. Each person of the Trinity plays a distinct role but shares one divine nature. By understanding the Trinity, we can grow in our relationship with God, appreciate His work in our lives, and deepen our faith. The story of Jesus’ baptism invites us to marvel at the mystery of the Trinity and to worship God in all His fullness.
