The Holy Spirit revealed to Simeon he would see the Messiah in his lifetime. Although uncertain about how Christ would appear, I doubt he expected an infant. However, when Joseph and Mary presented their new Son in the temple, something changed. Whether it was a radiant glow, or his heart pounded, we don’t know, but Simeon did. He cradled Jesus in his arms and said,
“Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.” Luke 2:29-32
In that moment, something changed.
Jesus and John the Baptist were family, not cousins in the current sense of the word, but relatives. It’s possible they grew up together, played together and probably fought with each other. I mean, Jesus did know “all” the answers in school.
When John was baptizing in the Jordan River, he … saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! John 1:29
John said he didn’t know Him, but when the Spirit rested on Jesus, there was no doubt. Just as Simeon did not expect an infant, John probably did not expect his cousin, but there He was.
John said, … “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented. Matthew 3:13-15
Jesus said it had to be that way. A few years later, Jesus knelt to wash the feet of His disciples and Peter protested: … “you shall never wash my feet. Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.” “Then, Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!” John 13:8
Again, Jesus said it had to be that way. I don’t understand why we face pain, illness, and earthly death. We live in a broken world and God could rescue us in an instant, but sometimes, it just has to be that way. Without experiencing darkness, how would we recognize light? Without sin, how would we understand forgiveness? If we were perfect, we would not need a Savior, but we do.
Lord, I need to be baptized by You and You should never wash my feet. But Jesus says, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.” Then, Lord, not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!
If you like to turn a real page like I do, pick up a copy of Echoes Intertwined or Strings Interwoven. Available at Amazon in print and eBook. Kindly leave a review if you would. I appreciate your comments.
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