21-22 After all the people were baptized, Jesus was baptized. As he was praying, the sky opened up and the Holy Spirit, like a dove descending, came down on him. And along with the Spirit, a voice: “You are my Son, chosen and marked by my love, pride of my life.”
Jesus baptism was a powerful moment for him. He needed this moment, this experience, this voice, this assurance to even dare begin to walk this earth as the Son of God.
There was struggle for Jesus in knowing his divine call. For he was going to have to walk as a stranger among his own kin and an outsider among his own people. He would be hated, despised, rejected, “a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief”. Yet as one in whom God delights. He was to bring a new brand of justice which was directed by compassion.
Regarding this justice, Rabbi Abraham Heschel in “The Prophets” makes this bold statement:
“There is a point at which strict justice is unjust.” Then speaking of biblical justice he says, “Justice was not equal justice, but a bias in favor of the poor…
“for beyond all justice
is God’s compassion.”
Rabbi Heschel
Prayer thought for the week: “ Lord help me to remember that Your compassion is greater than even justice. And help me be more compassion in all that I do.”
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