Podcasts about beloved son

Samson, whose name means “brilliant sunshine”, goes to view Timnah (the inheritance ie of his tribe). There ‘he saw a woman' of the uncircumcised – uncovenanted – Philistines, who was ‘right in his own eyes' – his problem was characteristic of the entire nation (14 verse 7; 17verse 6; 21verse 25). In the vineyards of his inheritance, a place to be avoided by a sworn Nazarite. We read that a lion – representing the ravaging Philistines – roared against Samson. And he rips the beast asunder with no apparent effort. Several days later Samson returns to see the ‘ruin' (AV ‘carcass') of the lion only to find that miraculously and uncharacteristically a swarm of bees had made their hive in the putrid carcass. It was God's sign to Samson that by trusting in the Almighty the Philistines could be overthrown and sweet deliverance come for the Covenant people. Samson is deceived time and time again by the enemy and he engages tit for tat with them throughout these two chapters. Samson declares on each occasion that after avenging himself just once more against the Philistines he will leave the matter there. However this is not the intention of the Almighty – the Philistines need to be weakened. Notice how the LORD escalates the conflict: in 14verse 19 he slays 30 men at Ashkelon; then in 15verse 15 at Lehi a 1,000 are slain. Also observe the recurring of multiples of 3, as troubles escalate. Samson's mighty acts should have inspired his people to follow him as he could have been God's instrument for victory. But his own people reject him just as they had rejected Moses centuries earlier. Instead as the pressure of the Philistines grew stronger upon God's people 3,000 men of Judah come to plead with Samson for his surrender and then they bind him and hand him over to the Philistines. Surely we are reminded by this of the Lord Jesus being bound in the Garden of Gethsemane; being eventually sent to the Roman authorities to be tried and crucified. Samson, like our Lord, was thirsty after his great victory. In Isaiah 38 faithful God cures Hezekiah of the leprous boil, which threatened to end his life and which was preventing him from worshipping in the Temple. At this time of Hezekiah's and his nation's greatest need, when everything seemed hopeless, their Sovereign delivered them. However in spite of his recovery Hezekiah later becomes lifted up in pride as we will learn tomorrow in chapter 39. Nonetheless at this time the faithful prayer of a faithful man availed greatly (James 5verse 16). Hezekiah's prayer is a model prayer for us. It shows an elevation of king Hezekiah's God. The prayer gives glory to God. It also praises Yahweh's loving kindness in saving Hezekiah and delivering the people of Judah. His prayer states our lack of power to help ourselves and pleads for our Omnipotent Creator to show mercy for His children. It acknowledges our need to respond to God's love in praise and thanksgiving every day of our life. We too, like king Hezekiah, have been blessed and delivered from the gates of sheol (the grave): Matthew 16 verse 18-19; Revelation 1verses17-18. Marvel at the wonderful metaphors and imagery that Hezekiah uses to describe the frailty of humanity. Meditate on the significance of his exhortation to us in verses 19-20. King Hezekiah is given a sign that he will recover in Isaiah 38:21. 2 Peter is also written to the dispersed Jews in Asia Minor ie Turkey. It commences in the same way as the first letter. The time of writing is in 66-67 AD and the persecution by Nero is now at its fiercest. According to tradition, the two foremost leaders of the believers, Paul and Peter, were both executed in 67 AD. Clues in Peter's 2nd epistle indicate that the most likely date of the epistle is 67 AD. Believers in Christ Jesus had attained to the same precious faith as the great Apostle to the Jews. From verses 3-15 these disciples are urged to make their calling and election ie selection by God sure. Peter tells them in verses 2-4 that our Father has given them all things that are necessary for a godly life; and that these great promises, which they now share, are graciously granted them offering believers a sharing of the Father's character and life. From verses 5-7 Peter enumerates the virtues being developed by God in their lives. These virtues are not sequential, but rather they are a group of traits befitting saints, and to be cultivated simultaneously. They summarise the character of our Lord Jesus Christ, outlined in Matthew 5:1-12. Great blessings accompany such saints who, in measure, develop the character of their Lord Jesus Christ. These divine virtues are called by brother Marshall – “The Portrait of a Saint”. Belief is the foundation upon which the faithful build (and that foundation is Christ Jesus see 1 Corinthians 3 verses 10-15 and Ephesians 2:19-22. Peter elaborates further on this theme at the start of chapter 2). The last 2 are at the apex of the developing saint's life – brotherly kindness (Philadelphos) and love (agape, self-sacrificing love); embody both of these fully exemplified in our Head, the Lord Jesus Christ. Where these qualities abound fruit is produced in the disciple. But a short-sighted approach stultifies the life of a disciple; and is the product of forgetting and neglect. In the practising of these qualities the disciples will attain the glory and the kingdom, which they seek. Peter would strive with his last breath to remind them of this. The Apostle speaks of “departure” (Greek “exodus” verse 15). The Tabernacle; of “the ecclesia in the wilderness” (Acts 7:44). This was emblematic of the LORD going with them. Peter talks of the entrance (“eisodus”) into the kingdom. How frequently is the theme stated, “Yahweh BROUGHT you out of Egypt, that He might BRING you into the land promised to the fathers (Abraham, Isaac and Jacob). Verses 16-21 speak of Christ's incomparable glory and the transcending greatness of the prophetic Word of our God (compare 1 Peter 1 verses 22-25). There can be no mistaking what we (Peter, James and John) saw on the Mount of Transfiguration – compare with Luke 9 verses 28-38. The glory of Moses and Elijah paled into insignificance alongside the glory of the Son of God – John 1 verses14-15. And that glory was reminiscent of the Father's own glory (Hebrews 1-1-4). As great as the prophetic Word was when spoken through Moses and Elijah the Father's Word from heaven boomed, “This is my Beloved Son, HEAR HIM”. If this witness was not enough, we have the added testimony of the prophetic Word centred on, and embodied in our Lord Jesus Christ. The prophetic Word shines more brightly as we see its fulfilment day by day. (Proverbs 4 verses 18-19). Prophecy never originated from the prophet's own mind. Instead the inspired Word of God found its source in holy men of God being “impelled”, or “driven along” by God's power. And so although the style of the prophet is individual, the message is infallibly that of the Almighty (see 2 Timothy 3 verses 14-17). In chapter 2 Peter deals with the tragedy of false teaching. Peter uses Biblical history to show that those who would attempt to deflect God's elect are always active among the believers. The Apostle Peter uses 3 historical examples. These examples are similar to those in Jude's letter – one from before the flood; one from the era of Abraham; and another from the time of the Wilderness wanderings in Moses' epoch. Peter explains the inevitability of false teachers arising from their midst (compare Acts 20 verses 29-32). Peter says that the errorists are not genuine – the words that these false teachers use are called “feigned” (Greek “plastos”) – taught for effect, with no concern for truth. The doctrine is moulded to fit the teacher's designs (2 Timothy 4 verses 1-5). But God has long ago decided to destroy people like this (See Revelation 22verses 15). The first example is in verse 5 and speaks of the gainsayers opposing Noah (cp Jude verses 14-16). The second is from the era of faithful Abraham (2 Peter 2verses 6-10). These verses tell of total detesting by God of homosexuality. And lastly, verses 10 (the second half) to verse 11. Here Peter deals with the rebellion of Korah, Dathan and Abiram against Moses (also in Jude verses 5-7; the original account being in Numbers 14). All of those historical events highlight two Divine principles – 1) Yahweh demonstrated His capacity to deliver the righteous out of their trial; and, 2) that the ungodly have been earmarked by the Almighty for judgment and destruction (Acts 17verses 30-31). Verse 17 uses metaphors to describe these vain talkers. Verses 18-19 reveal the true motives of those apostates. And verses 20-22 a further two metaphors describe their sickening behaviours. Those who once knew God's truth, but chose to turn away are described in two tragic pictures which illustrate God's perspective. These reprobates are like dogs eating their own vomit; or like washed pigs returning to their miry muddy past. Audio Player      

2 Peter 1:16-18 "This is My Beloved Son with Whom I Am well Pleased." (Part One) with Pastor Michael Petit. Thank you for listening to Pastor Michael Petit from Calvary Chapel Devine, Texas. We hope you enjoy our podcast, Sunday and Wednesday Teachings. You can get more information from http://calvarydevine.org Listen to Son-Salt-Light Christian Digital Radio 24/7 with great teachers of the Word of God and Worship music. https://streams.radio.co/s1df711a7e/low

2 Peter 1:16-18 "This is My Beloved Son with Whom I Am well Pleased." (Part Two) with Pastor Michael Petit. Thank you for listening to Pastor Michael Petit from Calvary Chapel Devine, Texas. We hope you enjoy our podcast, Sunday and Wednesday Teachings. You can get more information from http://calvarydevine.org Listen to Son-Salt-Light Christian Digital Radio 24/7 with great teachers of the Word of God and Worship music. https://streams.radio.co/s1df711a7e/low

What if exciting fiction could teach readers the heart of Lutheran doctrine? Katie Schuermann (author of The Big Father and His Little Boy, The Creed: Book 1 and The Beloved Son and His Brother, The Creed: Book 2), Christine Elliott Rivers (author of Above All Things: The Tale of the King, The Commandments: Book 1), and Jesse Cordes (Illustrator of The Creed and The Commandments series from Kloria Publishing) join Andy and Sarah to talk about highlights from their careers in writing and illustrating, where the idea for a fiction catechesis series began, how they use fiction to teach the truth of God's Word as it is summed up in the Catechism, a sneak peek at each of the books, Jesse's process for illustrating books, and what they love most about this project. Find these books and more from Kloria at kloria.com/collections/fiction-for-children. As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let's be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

“The Salvation of the Beloved Son” (Genesis 1:1-3 & John 1:1-18) | 060125 by One Ancient Hope Presbyterian Church

Sunday May 25, 2025: Pastor Matt continues our look at Isaiah 35's promise and explores the narrative when Jesus meets a grieving widow on the road outside the city. Where sorrow and death are interrupted by the life of the Beloved Son. Isaiah 35 comes alive as the wilderness begins to bloom and hope meets us in our dry places.

Ezekiel foresees new worship practices.Jesus is baptized.PASSAGE OF THE DAY 225"For the LORD your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality nor takes a bribe."Deuteronomy 10:17AUDIO INSPIRIRATION:

01) Northern Project - Flying High (Extended Mix) [ELPIDA MUSIC] 02) Rockwell - Somebody´s Watching Me (Anyma x Eric Prydz Remix) [REMAKE] 03) DIM3NSION - Revelation (Extended Mix) [IN TRANCE WE TRUST] 04) The Dub: Two&One & Sarah Russell - Dream State 05) Shimo Yuki - Love Beyond Reach (Extended Mix) [ Cooperation Trance ] 06) Eximinds & Sandro Mireno - Memories (Extended Mix) [ABORA SKIES] 07) Talla 2XLC & Eddie Pay - Touchdown (Extended Mix) [TECHNOCLUB PURE] 08) Brian McCalla Feat. Kate Miles - Hidden Lies (Extended Mix) [SUBCULTURE] 09) Roman Messer & Six Mists with Jaki Nelson - Just Be You (Delaitech & Seven24 Remix) 10) BarWall - Cosmic Space (Extended Mix) [ 2Rock Recordings ] 11) Aimoon & ARS - Hyperspace (Extended Mix) [ nomads music ] 12) Cj Mover - Endless Flight (Extended Mix) [ Summer Melody ]

Pastor Garrison GreeneTEXT: Genesis 37:1-36BIG IDEA: We have hope in the hidden hand of God.OUTLINE:1. The Stubbornness of Sin2. The Carnage of Cruelty3. The Promise of ProvidenceRESOURCES: ESV Study Bible; Limping with God: Jacob & the Old Testament Guide to Messy Discipleship by Chad Bird; Commentary on Genesis by John Calvin; Reformed Expository Commentary: Genesis by Richard Phillips; Genesis: Book of Origins by Philip Eveson; Whole Bible Commentary by Matthew Henry; Providence by John Piper; The Wonderful Works of God by Herman Bavink; Systematic Theology: From Canon to Concept by Stephen Wellum; A Body of Divinity by Thomas Watson

Have you ever wondered if God really hears your prayers? This episode might just be the confirmation you need.We sat down with Vlad, whose story had us in tears—and in awe—of God's relentless love. Abandoned by alcoholic parents, sent to a Ukrainian orphanage at just 7 years old, and surviving abuse and hopelessness, Vlad's life seemed destined for pain. But then... God showed up—in the form of a man named Doug, whispered prayers in hidden bushes, and a loving family from Oklahoma who heard the call to adopt.What makes this story so special is how relatable it is. You might not have grown up in an orphanage, but maybe you've felt unwanted, unseen, or like your prayers are bouncing off the ceiling. Vlad's story will not only restore your hope, it'll challenge you to love more boldly, believe more deeply, and trust that even the darkest seasons don't get to write your ending.If you've ever doubted your worth, questioned if prayer works, or needed a reminder that God still moves mountains, this episode is your breakthrough.Chapters:[00:00] Podcast Preview[00:49] Your Biggest Breakthrough Introduction[01:24] Topic and Guest Introduction[02:40] Life in the Orphanage[04:47] Thoughts on the War in Ukraine[06:03] Trauma and Abuse in an Orphanage[08:16] Meeting Doug, who led Vlad to Jesus[11:06] Arriving in the United States[14:50] Struggles Living in the US[18:16] Finding Family in a Church Community[21:08] The Adoption Process[24:07] Biggest Miracle of Being Adopted At Age 16[27:00] Adaptive Mom Heard My Prayers[29:06] Importance of Listening to God[30:37] Encouragement To Keep Praying[32:34] Vlad's Life In Christ[36:30] Clinging to God's Words[38:05] Living Life Full of Adventure[39:29] The Lies Roaming Around Some Orphanages[41:56] Final ThoughtsCall to action:Make sure to visit yourbiggestbreakthrough.com for your FREE access to our e-book and audiobook, "Unstoppable: Divine Intervention in Overcoming Adversity," showcasing six powerful real-life stories. Get ready to be inspired by these mind-blowing breakthroughs!To learn more about Wendie and her Visibly Fit program, visit wendiepett.comTo find out more about Todd and his coaching program for men, find him on the web at toddisberner.com.All the links you need to subscribe to the podcast are at both our websites! And if you feel so inclined, we'd be honored if you were to leave a rating and review of our show. It definitely helps with us being more visible to more people.And if we like it, we might just read your review on the podcast!

Join us for this Good Friday message as Pastor Mark teaches part 4 of our Easter Series, "Jesus Is...". If you enjoyed the teaching, want to dive in deeper, or are interested in more information please check out our website at www.hopeinanderson.com.

04/27/2025 - Brian Geier

In this life-changing conversation, Amber shares the story of her 19 year old son's sudden death and his powerful messages from beyond. Today Amber is working with other moms to create a documentary about their departed children and the incredible ways these kids reveal the truth about life after death. And we discuss the metaphysical perspective on why adolescents are dying at a higher rate than ever before; could it be that these kids are evolved souls who've come to earth to wake up humanity?

We've made it to Jesus' point of no return in His journey to the cross; a well-known scene in the garden of Gethsemane, where He will beseech his followers to stay awake and pray with him as He pleads with His Father for another way. The language used builds to a picture of abject horror, and is another picture of human Jesus displaying the holiness of a raw emotional response that we should come to when we face loss, death and pain in this life. Of course, Jesus' horror is beyond anything we will ever face,  and embedded within this scene is some vital theology. Did the Father send Jesus to do battle with death and darkness on the cross to satisfy His wrath (our reformation forefathers would have us think so)? Or did the triune God, together, devise this ancient plan to redeem their beloved world from the very beginning? A clear understanding on this can change the way we read all that tricky stuff in the Old Testament, and revolutionize what it is to be included in this divine relationship, for all of us. By Hannah Flint

Sermon, 03/30/2025: The Beloved Son

Join us in our last week in the passage on the Transfiguration. God has given us his son and there is nothing more that we need. In our suffering, heart ache, confusion in life, poverty, and frustration, we can say, "Hallelujah, all we have is Christ!" Listen today as we complete our discussion on the transfiguration. 

SUBSCRIBE and get the latest messages: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVIzzCy3Z9Zsk0GwAH-yJ7g?sub_confirmation=1Watch this:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5De6-FwIKq4&t=1sTo support this ministry and help us continue to reach people click here: http://kingschurchkc.com/giveWe exist to help ALL people know God, find family, discover purpose, and make a difference.——Stay ConnectedWebsite: www.kingschurchkc.comKings Church Facebook: Facebook.com/kingschurchkcKings Church Instagram: Instagram.com/kingschurchkc#kingschurch #faith #Christianity #kansascity #onlinechurch #churchonline #hope #churchesinkansascity

Jesus enters and judges Jerusalem by cleansing the temple and authoritatively teaching his opponents and disciples. Jesus enters and judges Jerusalem by cleansing the temple and authoritatively teaching his opponents and disciples.

Sermon delivered on Wednesday, November 11, 2024, at Serious Christian Church in Cape Town, South Africa

Sermon delivered on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, at Serious Christian Church in Cape Town, South Africa

Do you want to know what childlike humility and faith are? Study Jesus. He was his Father's Beloved Son. And there was nothing fake about him. When he laughed, when he wept, when he got angry, when he was frustrated, when he was in prayer, or when he was in a fight. He was his Father's Beloved Son!It is the childlike heart that opens the Kingdom of God to all who truly want to enter it and live with God, in his plan, with Him at the center. The path of Christlike humility leads us into and forward in all the "Great" ways Jesus has given us in the gospel.

John and Vicky McKeon are setting up an incredible theraputic farm in memory of their Son who died aged 18 after suffering with years of depression.

In beginning of Mark 9 Jesus tells His disciples that some among them will witness the kingdom of God in power. Soon after, He leads Peter, James, and John up a mountain where He is transfigured before them - His divine glory revealed in radiant light. Moses and Elijah appear, symbolizing the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets in Christ. Overwhelmed, Peter suggests building shelters, but a voice from heaven declares, “This is my Beloved Son; listen to Him.” This moment affirms Jesus’ identity and foreshadows His resurrection, reminding us that the cross comes before the crown. Are we listening to Him?

Grace Free Lutheran Church Maple Grove, MN Pastor Gary Jorgenson

Listen To Full Sermon: "Theophany Feast | 2025" @ St. Luke Coptic Orthodox Church - Boca Raton, FL ~ January 18, 2025https://soundcloud.com/his-grace-bishop-youssef/theophany-feast-2025

You've gone from sorrow to sonship in Christ. Today, we uncover your inheritance as a child of God and what it means for your journey.

Matthew 3-4 tells us the story of Jesus getting baptized then Jesus being led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. The main point of these stories is to remind believers that we are at war. There is a real enemy; if there is a real enemy, it helps to be mindful of the typical weapons of the enemy as well as practical methods of fighting back against the evil in the world.

To view the video of this message please click here. To view the Pastor's notes please click here.

14. My Beloved Son (Luke 3:21-22) by Church in the Square (Sermon Audio)

Join us this week as Caleb teaches about Jesus being God and his divine nature.Some discussion questions this week include:Why is it significant that Jesus is God?Why is it important that Jesus has always been God?How do these impact what Jesus can do?Why is it significant that Jesus is called God's "Beloved Son"?How does the image of Jesus as God's "Beloved Son" influence how you view Jesus and our Triune God?Since Jesus has all the attributes of God, how does this impact how we should pray to, follow, and obey him?

Alex Chitra Series: Getting ready for Jesus Luke 3:21-38; Psalm 2 St John's Downshire Hill - 29 December 2024 10:30am

In this week's homily, meditate with us on God's words to His beloved Son Jesus: "You are my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."

Sunday, January 12, 2025 Richmond's First Baptist Church

Send us a textIn this stirring homily, Fr. Dominic unpacks the profound significance of epiphanies in the liturgical season, focusing on the Baptism of the Lord. From the Magi's historic journey to Jesus' transformative act in the Jordan River, Fr. Dominic challenges us to encounter Christ in ways that will forever change our hearts and lives.He weaves together Scripture, Church history, and vivid examples, including the incredible story of St. Genesius of Rome, to illustrate the transformative power of baptism and the call to choose God every day. This homily is not just a reflection—it's a battle cry for men to reclaim their identity in Christ.3 Memorable Quotes"You are my beloved son, with whom I am well pleased." Let this truth resound in your heart daily as a constant reminder of God's unwavering love for you."Epiphany is the supernatural crashing into the natural—a moment meant to transform us." Encounter Christ and let Him radically alter your path."Baptism isn't just a ritual; it's the gateway to salvation, removing original sin and filling us with God's grace."3 Actionable Steps for MenReflect Daily on Your Baptismal Identity: Meditate on the reality that you are a beloved son of God. Begin each day with the prayer: "Lord, I belong to You. Help me to know, love, and serve You."Fast and Pray for Loved Ones: If family members have strayed from the faith or delayed baptizing their children, offer intentional fasting and prayer for their conversion and return to the Church.Be a Witness to Christ's Transformation: Like the Magi and St. Genesius, let your encounter with Jesus change your direction. Share your faith boldly, even when it's challenging, and trust in God's grace to guide you.Join us as we reflect on this powerful message of hope, redemption, and the call to embrace God's transformative love through baptism. Let's be men who rise to the challenge of choosing Christ every single day!Support us Support the showSupport the show at Buy Me A CoffeeSubscribe to our YouTube pageCheck out our websiteMystic Monk Coffee → For the best coffee for a great cause, we recommend Mystic Monk Coffee. Roasted with prayer by the Carmelite Monks in Wyoming, Mystic Monk Coffee has the ultimate cup waiting for you. See more at mysticmonkcoffee.com Contact us directly at themanlycatholic@gmail.com.

The season of Epiphany is primarily about the question, “Who has Jesus been revealed to be?” Luke's account of the baptism of Jesus, in Luke 3:15-22, provides us an excellent answer to that question. In this sermon, Chandler McCosh walks us through what John the Baptist says about Jesus, what God the Father says about Jesus, and ultimately, urges us to consider our own identify as those baptized into Christ.

Read OnlineIt happened in those days that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized in the Jordan by John. On coming up out of the water he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit, like a dove, descending upon him. And a voice came from the heavens, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”  Mark 1:9–11The Feast of the Baptism of the Lord concludes for us the Christmas Season and transitions us into the beginning of Ordinary Time. From a Scriptural point of view, this event in Jesus' life is also a transitional moment from His hidden life in Nazareth to the beginning of His public ministry. As we commemorate this glorious event, it's important to ponder a simple question: Why was Jesus baptized? Recall that John's baptism was one of repentance, an act by which he invited his followers to turn from sin and to turn to God. But Jesus was sinless, so what was the reason for His Baptism?First of all, we see in the quoted passage above that Jesus' true identity was made manifest through His humble act of baptism. “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased,” spoke the voice of the Father in Heaven. Furthermore, we are told that the Spirit descended upon Him in the form of a dove. Thus, Jesus' baptism is in part a public declaration of Who He is. He is the Son of God, a divine Person Who is one with the Father and the Holy Spirit. This public testimony is an “epiphany,” a manifestation of His true identity for all to see as He prepares to begin His public ministry.Second, by His baptism, Jesus' incredible humility is made manifest. He is the Second Person of the Most Holy Trinity, but He allows Himself to become identified with sinners. By sharing in an act that was focused upon repentance, Jesus speaks volumes through His action of baptism. He came to unite Himself with us sinners, to enter our sin and to enter into our death. By entering the water, He symbolically enters into death itself, which is the result of our sin, and rises triumphantly, allowing us to also rise with Him to new life. For this reason, Jesus' baptism was a way of Him “baptizing” the waters, so to speak, so that water itself, from that moment onward, would be endowed with His divine presence and could be communicated to all who are baptized after Him. Therefore, sinful humanity is now able to meet divinity through baptism.Lastly, when we share in this new baptism, through water that has now been sanctified by our divine Lord, we see in Jesus' baptism a revelation of who we become in Him. Just as the Father spoke and declared Him as His Son, and just as the Holy Spirit descended upon Him, so also in our baptism we become the adopted children of the Father and are filled with the Holy Spirit. Thus, Jesus' baptism gives clarity as to whom we become in Christian baptism. Lord, I thank You for Your humble act of baptism by which You opened the Heavens to all who are sinners. May I open my heart to the unfathomable grace of my own baptism each and every day and more fully live with You as a child of the Father, filled with the Holy Spirit.  Jesus, I trust in You.  Source of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2024 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.Featured image above: The Baptism of Christ by Verrocchio & Leonardo, via Wikimedia Commons

Mark 1:9-11 - James Choi

Beloved Son of God, hear us.

This week, in their liturgical recitation and study of the Hebrew Bible, Jewish communities all over the world will relive the terrifying moment when God commands Abraham to take his son, his beloved son, who was to be his heir and fulfill his deepest dreams for family transmission and ancestry, Isaac, and sacrifice him. What is this passage all about? What does it mean? What can be learned about Abraham, about Isaac, or about God by reading it carefully? Joining Mosaic's editor Jonathan Silver to discuss these questions on this week's podcast (originally broadcast in 2023) is Jon D. Levenson, a professor of Jewish studies at Harvard Divinity School and frequent Mosaic contributor. Levenson has written about this episode in several books, including The Death and Resurrection of the Beloved Son published in 1993 by Yale University Press, and also in Inheriting Abraham, published in 2012 by Princeton University Press. Akeidat Yitzḥak, the binding of Isaac, as the Jewish people traditionally refer to this episode, has a long afterlife in Christian and Muslim traditions; it is also a centerpiece of philosophical reflection among modern thinkers like Immanuel Kant and Soren Kierkegaard. Reading the text now in the aftermath of those later reflections, it's difficult to retrieve its original meaning. The temptation is overwhelming to propose moral justifications for Abraham and for God, to excuse or at least to try to soften the drama of Genesis 22. To hear what the text of the Hebrew Bible really might have to say in response to that temptation requires undoing some modern assumptions—a task that Levenson and Silver take up.

Fr. Mike elaborates on the significance of the Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River. He points out that the location of the Jordan River is particularly noteworthy because it's the same river that Joshua crossed over to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land, signifying that Jesus will bring about a new exodus. Additionally, it's the lowest spot on the planet, symbolizing Jesus' humility. Finally, Fr. Mike emphasizes that when we are baptized, we are adopted as beloved sons and daughters of God because what belongs to Jesus by his nature is given to us by God's grace. Today we read Luke 3-5 and Proverbs 25:27-28. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.