The Final Peace Offering

Before Jesus started His ministry, His cousin, John, baptized Him in the waters of the Jordan river:

As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”

- Matthew 3:16-17

This is a key biblical event, signifying the beginning of Jesus’ ministry of teaching and healing here on earth. There is so much beauty in this interaction, but there is something especially moving about the Spirit of God appearing through a dove. Throughout scripture, doves symbolize peace between God and mankind.

We can’t help but connect this dove imagery to the story of Noah and the ark. A dove brings back an olive leaf to Noah, signifying the good news that God’s wrath, expressed through the flood, had given way to peace between God and humanity. The dove becomes that symbol of peace throughout scripture.

When the dove returned to him in the evening, there in its beak was a freshly plucked olive leaf! Then Noah knew that the water had receded from the earth. He waited seven more days and sent the dove out again, but this time it did not return to him.

- Genesis 8:11-12

The story of Noah only showcases temporary reconciliation… until the dove shows up at the baptism of Jesus. Because, as much as men and women tried to get it right throughout the entire Old Testament, true reconciliation, true peace, isn’t found until Jesus enters the scene.

I believe this moment is so important because not only is God clearly indicating the divinity of Jesus by acknowledging him as “My Son, whom I love,” but He also sends the Spirit as a dove to show that Jesus is the ultimate act of reconciliation and peace with mankind.

The peace of Eden was broken by the enemy. Connection to God was tarnished by sin. Intimacy was lost as a result of our rebellion. With the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, all the wrongs are righted. The connection and intimacy are restored. And finally, the dove shows us that access to peace and reconciliation with God is found in Christ Jesus.

What an incredible image. Friend, don’t gloss over this as just a beautiful moment in a Bible story. Jesus as the new symbol of peace has tangible, real meaning in your life today. Your sin and brokenness created chaos and division between you and God. But because of Jesus’ perfect life, painful death, and triumphant resurrection, your symbol of peace is here.

You can be close to your perfect Creator because the blood of that final peace offering covers all. THAT is good news.

I don’t know where you’re at with God today. Maybe, you know that truth deeply and you spend your days thanking God for it. Maybe, you’re still trying to accept it as real, and you’re not sure if you can find peace with all the chaos that is your life right now. Maybe, you’ve never thought about accepting the peace that comes with calling Christ your Savior - maybe it’s time to start.

Wherever you are at, the truth of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection is available to you today. And just as the Father sends peace through Christ, just as He is pleased with His Son, He wants to send peace into your circumstances.

He wants you to know that, because of Jesus, He is well pleased with you.

Cristina Schmitter

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