Dear People Who Keep Company With God,
One of the most profound statements recorded in the Scripture occurred at the baptism of Jesus (Mark 1:9-11). The Father spoke to Jesus from heaven, “You are my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased.” This is the Father’s heart in a nutshell.
The word “Son” used here reveals so much on how we can more fully experience the Father’s heart. Looking at the life of Jesus there are three words used to describe Him in terms of him being a Son. At Jesus’ circumcision on the eighth day, the Greek word for child is paidion (Luke 2:17). When He appeared in the temple at age 12, the Greek word for child is teknon (Luke 2:48). At His baptism the Father called Him His beloved huios (Son).
In the life of the average Hebrew boy in Jesus’ time there were three major events that marked their lives. The first of these events was his circumcision, which occurred when he was an infant, at eight days old. This was the moment that he was marked as a “covenant man” in Israel.
The second major event was his “Bar-Mitzvah,” which took place, as he was about to enter into puberty. The word Bar-Mitzvah actually means “a son accountable,” and this signified the time, not only when he was held accountable for keeping the Commandments of God, but also when he was to become an apprentice under his father in the family business. Jesus began His apprenticeship that day He said, “Did you not know I had to be about My Father’s business?”
The third event was what is known as the “Huiothesia,” which is the “adoption ceremony.” The word “Huiothesia” means “Son Placement,” and indicates the time when a male child reached what was considered to be the age of maturity (somewhere around 30). At this time, the father of the young man would place his hand on the head of his son and openly proclaim, “This is my beloved son in whom I am well pleased! I bestow upon him now all of my riches and power and authority so that he might act on my behalf in all of my affairs.”
Jesus’ life is a pattern for all believers (1 John 2:12-14). We begin our life in the Kingdom as little children yet fully “covenant men” who have total access to the finished work of the cross. Then we progress on to young men who are apprenticing in the Fathers’ business, learning His ways and thinking. Finally we are to become mature huios sons, who can more fully act on behalf of the Father in His affairs.
So, how do we become the huios sons?
For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons (huios) of God. 15 For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption (huiothesia) by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” 16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children (teknon) of God, 17 and if children (teknon), then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together. 18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. 19 For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons (huios) of God. (Rom. 8:14-19)
Many Blessings, BW