First a Daughter or Son

Photo by Maureen Kennedy Macel

When Jesus was about thirty years old, he was baptized by John the Baptist and began his ministry. We read in Scripture that at Jesus’ baptism, the voice of God the Father was heard from the heavens saying:

“You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.” Luke 3:22

Jesus is a lot of things: Word of God, Savior, Healer, Miracle Worker, Preacher, Teacher, Prince of Peace, Carpenter, Friend, Lord, Suffering Servant, Son of Mary, the Christ, the one who sets people free, and many other titles and attributes.

But here he is defined by God as a Son above all other things.

Let us be mindful of this Truth: We are not defined by our work, life circumstances, strengths or weaknesses, successes or failures, or status. Our identity is first and foremost as a son or daughter of God.

Hear God speak this to you: “You are my daughter/son, the beloved; with you I am well pleased.” Know that he delights in you simply because you exist. He created you with love, and he will always claim you, and his loving heart is there to embrace you in every moment of your life.