IN the Gospel of Matthew (chapter 3) we read of the baptism of Christ Jesus, after which "the Spirit of God descending like a dove" rested upon him. Then followed the benediction, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."
The record tells us that after this sublime experience Jesus was "led up of the spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil" (Matt. 4:1). The writer had often pondered this passage, seeking to understand why, having received the blessing of God, Jesus should have immediately been tempted by evil. Then one day the light of Truth illumined this passage and the reason for the wilderness experience became clear to her.
Jesus had been baptized of the Holy Ghost. He was on the threshold of a glorious career in which he was to demonstrate the eternality of Life, the omnipotence of Truth, and the omnipresence of Love, healing sickness and sin and overcoming death. He probably had realized in that hour, as never before, what his mission was, and the holiness of the purpose to which he was dedicated.
