The Presence of God on the Resurrection Road

For Jesus, the road to the resurrection was a long one. Before time, He knew the path that He would take, and none of the twists and turns came as a surprise to Him. The presence of the Father was a comfort and affirmation to Him as the road lay before Him. In Mark 1:9-12, as readers, we are able to see the Father’s presence and comfort as the earthly portion of the journey began.

At Jesus’ baptism, we see the presence of the Father in the forms of a dove and the spoken word. As Jesus “came up out of the water He saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending to Him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: ‘You are My beloved Son; I take delight in You!’” Although the reaction of bystanders isn’t mentioned in any of the accounts of this miraculous event, I wonder if those who were witnessing saw the same evidence that Jesus experienced at that moment. If they did, I know they were changed forever. To see this presence of our Father and to hear these words catapulting the next three years of Jesus’ purpose into action surely gave them the confirmation of God’s plan for His people being enacted.

And immediately following, God’s presence continues with Jesus into the wilderness during the time of temptation and testing. We read in Mark 1:12 that the Spirit of God went with Jesus there, in fact, drove Him there. And throughout the forty days, there the Spirit stayed, never leaving His side and in just the right times ministering to Jesus and sending angels to meet His needs.

Coming out of the time of testing, Jesus heads to Galilee, and this time we see the presence of God in Jesus’ own words, preaching the Good News and proclaiming that the Kingdom of God is here, the time is fulfilled, and it is Jesus who is the presence of God.

This passage is yet another confirmation of the co-working of the Trinity in Scripture. God the Father’s affirmation through His creation and the Word, God the Spirit’s affirming presence and comfort through His provision, and God Son’s presence through His spoken word and fulfillment of His plan and purpose for His people. How intricately the details of His sufficiency and power are displayed here, and how great His love for us must be to go to these great lengths for our salvation. I am in awe of His attention to detail every time I discover these truths from His Word.

Key Passage

As we focus on the road to Christ’s resurrection, look for ways you can see God’s presence on your own road. As you reflect, look at the details of your own walk and discover for yourself the evidence of the Trinity in your own life.

Questions for Thought

1. Where do you see God’s presence in His creation around you?
2. Where do you see God’s presence through His spoken word?