J.C. Ryle

Matthew 3:13-17
(Mark 1:9-11; Luke 3:21-22)
Suggested further readings: Matthew 28:18-20; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Revelation 1:4-5


The presence of all three persons of the blessed Trinity is evident. God the Son, manifest in the flesh, is baptized (v. 16). God the Spirit descends like a dove and lights upon him (v. 16). God the Father speaks from heaven with a voice (v. 17). In a word, we have the manifested presence of Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Surely we Mayregard this as a public announcement that the work of Christ was the result of the eternal counsels of all the Three. It was the whole Trinity which at the beginning of creation said, `Let us make man' (Gen. 1:26). It was the whole Trinity again which at the beginning of the gospel seemed to say, `Let us save man.'
All three persons in the Godhead are equally concerned in the deliverance of our souls from hell. The thought should cheer us when disquieted and cast down. The thought should hearten and encourage us when weary of the conflict with the world, the flesh and the devil. The enemies of our souls are mighty, but the Friends of our souls are mightier still. The whole power of the triune Jehovah is engaged upon our side (Eccles. 4:12).
We are told of a voice from heaven (v. 17). We read of no voice from heaven before this except at the giving of the law at Sinai. God marks the introduction of both law and gospel with the peculiar honour of his own voice speaking.
His words are a divine declaration that our Lord Jesus Christ is the promised Redeemer, whom God from the beginning undertook to send into the world, and that with his incarnation, sacrifice and substitution for man God the Father is satisfied and well pleased. In him he regards the claim of his holy law as fully discharged. Through him he is willing to receive poor, sinful men to mercy and remember their sins no more.
Let all true Christians rest their souls on these words and draw from them daily consolation. If we believe in Jesus God regards us as members of his own dear Son with whom he is well pleased.
For meditation: Are we obeying Matthew 17:5: `While he was still speaking ... a voice from the cloud said, "This is my Son ... listen to him"'?