Trinity #3 (Gospels)

June 3, 2021 (Thursday)

 

When we look for the “Trinity” in Jesus life, it’s not hard to spot. This theological truth dominates many of the most important moments of Jesus’ ministry.

 

Let’s start at the baptism, “when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heavens were opened, ²² and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form, like a dove; and a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” [Luke 3:21b – 22 ESV] Here we see Jesus (God the Son), the Holy Spirit (descend in bodily form), and God the Father (voice from heaven).

 

One of the early errors, judged as heresy, is called “modalism.” This is “the doctrine that the persons of the Trinity represent only three modes or aspects of the divine revelation, not distinct and coexisting persons in the divine nature.” (Oxford Dictionaries) In other word, God has revealed Himself in three ways, not three “distinct and coexisting persons.” One reason, for this error is that it is much easier to understand God and defend the concept of the “trinity.”

 

If you think about it, modalism is difficult to justify in light of Jesus’ extensive prayer life. For instance, Jesus prayed on the cross, “And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” [Luke 23:34 ESV] And who was Jesus’ telling us loved us when He declared, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” [John 3:16 ESV]

 

If we jump to the end of Jesus’ earthly ministry, He teaches about the Holy Spirit. Part of this teaching includes the idea of the Trinity. I think, because Jesus put it at the end of His ministry that this is a very advanced idea to grasp. Let’s dig into John 16.

 

Jesus starts with an explosive shock to the disciples, “But now I am going to him who sent me.” [John 16:5a ESV] It sounds like the disciples are stunned into a catatonic state. They are unable to respond to Jesus at this point. What Jesus is saying, was He was leaving. The theological part, for us to pay attention today, is that Jesus is returning to someone. We understand this person to be “the Father.”

 

Jesus continues with another difficult to understand idea, “Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you.” [John 16:7 ESV] We understand the “Helper” as the Holy Spirit. Jesus was specific to say “him.” This word indicates a “distinct and coexisting person.”

 

Continuing with the lesson, Jesus asserts, “He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you. All that the Father has is mine; therefore I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you.” [John 16:14 – 15 ESV] The Holy Spirit is going to glorify Jesus. Jesus claims His authority, words, works, and power are the Father’s; NOT His.

 

At the intense moment of Jesus’ ascension to heaven, Jesus instructed, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” [Matthew 28:19 ESV] I want you to remember this formula, we will circle back to it tomorrow.

 

I am praying the Holy Spirit is making this all clear for you.