Jesus - Spirit Reliant

Mark 1:1-15

Jesus was:

Affirmed by the Holy Spirit at his baptism

Luke 3:21-22

At the outset of his ministry Jesus identifies with humankind in submitting to baptism. Jesus did not need to be baptized because John's message was that people should:

- stop relying on their heritage - baptism was (and is) part of the process by which non-Jews become Jews. Jesus was a Jew;

- recognise their sinfulness and separation from God and turn round and start again through baptism. Jesus was sinless.

God the Father publicly sets his seal on Jesus's decision by sending the Holy Spirit in observable form to rest on him. (A rare glimpse of the Trinity)

Jesus, at the end of his ministry on earth orders his disciples to make disciples and to baptize them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit (Matt 28:19)

Do I see myself as a disciple (student) - for whom the graduation ceremony is in heaven?

In being baptized, Jesus identified himself with us. Have I identified with him in baptism?

Supported by the Holy Spirit in his temptations

Luke 4: 1-13

Jesus "was being led" by the Spirit in the desert. Jesus is tempted:

- at a low point (he is lonely, hungry);

- at his point of greatest vulnerability (his powers).

Unlike Adam, he successfully resists temptation - by relying on the Word of God. (But NB v 13 - the victory is not yet permanent.)

Other testing points - addiction (= frequently giving in to temptation); poverty; wealth; sickness; depression; idleness; busyness.

Do we deliberately put ourselves in the way of tests - or only those the Spirit leads us to?

What tools do we rely on - our own or God's?

Anointed by the Holy Spirit for his ministry

Luke 4:14-19; 31-41

Jesus preaches freedom - good news for the sad; freedom for the prisoner; light for the dark; release for the oppressed; the era of salvation. He does freedom acts - in the power of the Spirit and under the anointing of the Spirit.

Jesus promises and prays for the Holy Spirit for his students.

John 14:12-18, 16:7 & 8

At the end of his ministry on earth, Jesus promises that his students will do greater things than he has done; He promises the Holy Spirit who will:

- convict of sin;

- guide students of Jesus into truth;

- bring glory to Jesus

The Spirit today

The Spirit comes - not like a dove but like wind and fire - purifying; impelling; gifting. (Acts 2:1-4)

Are we prophesying? Do our men see visions and dream dreams? (Acts 2: 17 & 18)

Are we ready to preach freedom, and do freedom acts?

Are we prepared to open ourselves to God's anointing?

JKG

30.5.04