Saturday, September 22, 2012

Christ’s Earthly Ministry: Triplets of Love



Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8) – throughout all time He was, is and will be Almighty God. He represents and is the fullness of the Godhead – Father, Son and Holy Spirit -- as cited in three verses (Ephesians 3:19; 4:13; Colossians 2:9). Even in His earthly ministry, which lasted three and a half years, we see the signature of the Trinity reflected in triplets of love.

The apostle John described the Trinity in Heaven reflected in the life and work of Jesus Christ through the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: for these three “agree in one” (1 John 5:6-8). 

John further explained that Jesus came in the flesh (i.e. with human blood and born out of the water in Mary’s womb), empowered by the Holy Spirit. We see the water and the blood again when a spear pierces His side (John 19:34) and Jesus lays down His life to suffer and dies on the cross, which was possible only through the power of the Spirit.

At His baptism marking the beginning of His earthly ministry (Matthew 3:16-17), we see all of the Trinity in one picture: Jesus the Son being baptized, the Holy Spirit descending on Him in the form of a dove, and God the Father announcing that Jesus is indeed His beloved Son.

This was the first of three proclamations from God the Father Himself that Jesus is His Son, worthy of God’s love and glory and our praise and obedience (Matthew 3:17; 17:5; John 12:28). The second of these Divine revelations was the transfiguration of Jesus (Matthew 17:1-8). His inner circle of Peter, James and John witnessed three glorified beings: Jesus, Moses, and Elias, prompting Peter to want to build three tabernacles.

After Jesus’ baptism, the Holy Spirit led Him into the wilderness to be tested by the devil (Matthew 4:1-11). Three times the devil tempted Him, appealing to the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life (1 John 2:16) and each time Jesus rebuked the devil by quoting Scripture – three times He replied, “It is written…”

Jesus’ closest friends, apart from His disciples, were Mary, Martha, and Lazarus (John 12:1-3). The precious ointment Mary used to anoint Jesus’ feet was worth three hundred pence (John 12:5). Lazarus was one of three people Jesus raised from the dead (John 12:9), the other two being Jairus’ daughter (Mark 5:35-43) and the son of the widow of Nain (Luke 7:11-15).

Jesus summarized His work on earth in terms of three types of miracles: spiritual healing, physical healing, and His own perfection, or resurrection from the dead (Luke 13:32). That perfection occurred on the third day, when He had paid all of our sin debt by suffering and dying on the cross, was buried, and rose again, so that all who believe this may also have eternal life (1 Corinthians 15). May we all trust in His completed work and become joint heirs with Him (Romans 8:17), His ambassadors (2 Corinthians 5:20, and rulers in the Millennial Kingdom! (Revelation 20:4)



© 2012 Laurie Collett




 

45 comments:

Laurie Collett said...

Love you, Denise! God bless!
Laurie

joy said...

I learned a lot from this post. Thanks sister:)

Frank E. Blasi said...

Another great post on the triune nature of God. Well done.

Unknown said...

Great post Laurie. I enjoyed reading it. Thanks for linking to my blog.

Nadwrażliwiec said...

Next good note about the Trinity! It's good point, because there is a lot of in historical denominations, who don't believe that Jesus is real God. But very often I ask them, if they believe that Jesus isn't God, why are they Catholics/Lutherans/etc? And they don't know, how to answer.
Greetings and blessings for You :)

Laurie Collett said...

Thanks for your kind comment, Joy! Glad you liked the post!
Blessings,
Laurie

Laurie Collett said...

Thanks so much, Frank! God bless!
Laurie

Laurie Collett said...

Thanks, Salina, for your encouragement & for hosting!
Love in Him,
Laurie

Laurie Collett said...

Thanks for the kind comment, Zim! It is sad that so many in churches are Christians in name only, and are not saved because they do not believe Jesus Christ is God.
Blessings to you,
Laurie

GypsyDi said...

Thank you for your lovely post. Found you on the IMM blog hop and really enjoyed reading your blog.
Diane
Treasuringgrace.blogspot.com

Laurie Collett said...

Thanks so much, Diane, for your visit & comment! Glad you found & enjoyed this post!
God bless,
Laurie

Donald Fishgrab said...

When we used to milk cows by hand, we used a one legged milking stool that would fall out of the way without tripping you if the cow tried to kick. Of course, the stool would not stand up by itself, depending on the milker's legs to hold it upright.

The various triplets you have referred to in the last several posts are like the three legs of a stool, enabling it to actually stand without having to be held up. They establish each group as more than just coincidence.

Anonymous said...

It always pleases me to read about the efficiency and orderliness of God. Heaven will be eat and tidy as well as GLORIOUS and PRAISE filled :0). Stopping by via Funki Planet! I have a Tuesday Link-up as well if you care to join in.
I am always blessed when I read your posts! Have a great week!

Leslie Monroe said...

Laurie thanks for posting and sharing! 3 is an interesting number. Complete father, son, spirit. When 3 or more are gathered in his name he is there. Earth is the third planet from the sun. I'm sure there is a Devine reason for why 3 is so special. Fun to think about.

Laurie Collett said...

Great point, dfish! God does all things by design, and all of Scripture is divinely inspired, reflecting that design. Blessings to you,
Laurie

Laurie Collett said...

Thanks, Donna, for your thoughtful and kind comment! I just linked up with you!
God bless,
Laurie

Laurie Collett said...

Great points, Leslie! Three is said to be the number of divine perfection, and so much of His creation reflects that!
Love in Him,
Laurie

Eileen said...

I was not familiar with several of these "threes". Thanks, Laurie!

Laurie Collett said...

You're very welcome, Eileen, & thanks for your comment!
God bless,
Laurie

Pamela said...

I'm so thankful for the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. That's the best three! It was interesting to read of all the sets of three.

Unknown said...

In His Word and all around us God shows us Himself in threes. What a blessing to be invited into the unity of Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Thank you for the clarity of your words in pointing out Scriptural truths. God bless, Maria

Laurie Collett said...

Amen, Pamela! Holy, Holy, Holy is our God -- Father, Son, and Holy Ghost!
God bless,
Laurie

Laurie Collett said...

Thanks so much, Maria, for your kind and thoughtful comment! We are blessed indeed!
Love in Him,
Laurie

Alecia Simersky said...

You have a knack for so clearly writing out what you find in the scriptures and sharing for all to read and understand.
So thankful to Jesus, for willingly dying for me, a broken sinner.

Brandee Shafer said...

What a coincidence: my 3yo just asked me, today, if there are 3 Gods, so we had a little conversation about the trinity. :)

Katharine said...

Wonderful post Laurie, thanks for linking up today! Blessings!

Judith said...

Such a good post, Laurie. You are always so thorough in your research. God bless you.

Laurie Collett said...

Thank you, Alecia -- I truly appreciate your encouragement.
Amen that Jesus laid down His life to save us while we were yet sinners!
God bless,
Laurie

Laurie Collett said...

With God, there are no coincidences! I hope the post was helpful. How wonderful that your little one already wants to know about Him!
Blessings,
Laurie

Laurie Collett said...

Thanks so much, Katharine, for your comment & for hosting!
God bless,
Laurie

Laurie Collett said...

Thanks, Judith, for your kind words! God bless you too!
Laurie

Anonymous said...

I like the way you took the Bible apart a little and revealed, the Holy Trinity in each "life-changing-altering" scenario, as Jesus experienced them. Thanks for sharing!

Laurie Collett said...

Glad you enjoyed this post, Crystal!
Love in Him,
Lsurie

Katherines Corner said...

you write with such grace. I love reading your posts. Thank you for sharing at the Thursday Favorite Things blog hop xo

Laurie Collett said...

Thanks so much, Katherine, for your kind comment and for hosting!
Love & hugs to you1
Laurie

Paula said...

Hi Laurie! Thanks so much for linking up with my blog party and for the follow! I'm now your newest GFC follower :)

Paula
lifeasweknowitbypaula.blogspot.com

mail4rosey said...

Thank you for a lovely share with a lovely picture too!

Laurie Collett said...

Thanks, Paula, I appreciate it! Your follow on GFC isn't showing up on my blog, though. :-(
May you have a blessed weekend!
Laurie

Laurie Collett said...

You're very welcome, mail4rosey, and thanks so much for your kind comment!
God bless,
Laurie

Mama's High Strung said...

I'm so glad you stopped by Sweet Saturday... what a wonderful read! A great way to start my weekend...

Laurie Collett said...

Thanks so much, Christina, for your sweet comment & for following!
May you have a blessed Lord's Day!
Lsurie

Mommy Emily said...

you are an ambassador of truth. thank you.

Laurie Collett said...

Thank you, Emily! I really appreciate your kind words of encouragement & support.
Love in Him,
Laurie

Jessica said...

Thanks for sharing at Sweet Saturday!

Laurie Collett said...

Thanks for your comment, Jessica, & for hosting!
God bless,
Laurie