Luke 3:21 23
Target year level: Year 4
Scripture Text
Luke 3:21 - 23
The Baptism of Jesus
21 Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heaven was opened, 22 and the Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved;with you I am well pleased.” 23 Jesus was about thirty years old when he began his work. He was the son (as was thought) of Joseph son of Heli.
New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition
World behind the text
Luke's gospel was written after Mark's and contains some stories that are not in any other gospel.
In the Gospel of Luke John the Baptist is portrayed as a relative of Jesus. John’s life connects with Jesus at the very beginning of Luke's infancy narrative when we hear about Mary visiting her cousin, Elizabeth, who is pregnant with John (Luke 1:39-45).
See RESource for more background information on the Gospel of Luke.
World of the text
A close reading of the Baptism of Jesus, in the gospels of Luke, Mark and Matthew will show evidence of how both Matthew and Luke included material from Mark but added their own flavour to the story.
A dove is a familiar species of pigeon that was domesticated from early times and was known as being gentle and faithful.
World in front of the text
Imagery from this text is often used in Christian art that depicts the Trinity and the relationship between God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.