On The Wings Of A Dove
Mark 1:10
By Harold Dinsmore, M.Div.
© 2008 Harold Dinsmore

This week, we turn to a passage cited in Mark 1:10.  “As Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove.”  This is part of the sequel of events taking place at the baptism of Jesus.  At the baptism of Jesus, we have the manifestation of the Trinity – the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit – and that Jesus was baptized, setting the example for us to follow.

Today, I want to explore the necessity and manifestation of the Holy Spirit in and through the life of Jesus.  Beginning with His baptism, we know that John’s baptism was a baptism unto repentance, looking forward to the coming Messiah who would take away one’s sins and baptize with the Holy Spirit.  It has been said that “John’s baptism in the Jordan was intended to symbolize the new exodus from bondage, and the eschatological entry into the promised land of the diving kingdom.”¹   Remember eschatology means the doctrine or study of the last things, the future or end times.

1. Jurgen Moltmann