Well-Pleased

After Jesus’ baptism, the Father declared that He was “well-pleased” with His Son. It’s interesting that He declared this conclusion before Jesus’ ministry had begun. Jesus hadn’t preached a sermon or healed the sick. He hadn’t called any disciples or cast out any demons. Why would the Father be so “pleased” at this particular time?

First, He was pleased with Jesus’ obedience. He had been faithful to follow the leading of the Father and had been sensitive to His timing. The Father also was pleased with Jesus’ character—how He had received favor with His family and with others in the community (Luke 2:52).

In the process, Jesus provided an example for each of us. If we want the Father to be well-pleased with us, we need to focus on being obedient. We should know God’s Word and obey it. We need to be aware of the leading of the Holy Spirit and ready to follow Him.

We also must be faithful to complete the assignments we’ve been given, sensitive to the Father’s timing and aware that “there is an appointed time for everything” (Ecclesiastes 3:1).

We need to demonstrate that we’re concerned about God’s Kingdom, eager to know Him better, and quick to listen to Him and do His will. We should seek to be people of character, who demonstrate spiritual maturity. We should strive to be good examples to others, faithful in our relationships. And we need to demonstrate humility and a Christ-like attitude in everything we do.

Today, learn from the example of Jesus. Make it your goal to be well-pleasing to the Father.