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  • Writer's pictureRobert Finley, Ph.D.

Following Jesus as a Person Filled with the Holy Spirit

“Then Jesus, being filled with the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness” (Luke 4:1).


“….how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him” 



The Gospel writer, Luke, presents the Lord Jesus as the Son of Man emphasizing the humanity of our Lord. God-the Son had to become the Son of Man in order to die on the cross for our sins. Deity could not die, thus, He became Man; the Man—Jesus of Nazareth. In Philippians 2:5-8, Paul clearly presents the submission, humility, and obedience of the Lord Jesus. Interestingly, Luke stresses the submission and surrender of the Lord Jesus to the Holy Spirit. Our Lord became our example of living a life pleasing to the Father. “You are My beloved Son; in You I am well pleased” (Luke 3:22b); “And He who sent Me is with Me. The Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those things that please Him” (John 8:29).


“Jesus lived His life and performed His ministry as a Spirit filled Man, choosing not to rely on the resources of His divine nature, but willingly limiting Himself to what He could be done by the guidance of God the Father and the empowering of God the Holy Spirit” (David Guzik, Blue Letter Bible).


According to the Bible, the Lord Jesus spoke in obedience to the Father, “For I have not spoken on My own authority; but the Father who sent Me gave Me a command, what I should say and what I should speak” (John 12:49). Jesus Christ never acted independently of the Father, but obediently did the works that the Father wanted Him to accomplish. “Then Jesus answered and said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner” (John 5:19). The Lord Jesus came to accomplish the will of God-the Father. “For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me” (John 6:38). According to Hebrews Christ Jesus offered Himself as the sinless, sacrificial, substitute for our sin in submission to the Holy Spirit for the Scriptures state, “how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God…?” (Hebrews 9:14).


Therefore, believers and followers of the Lord Jesus should recognize that the Holy Spirit indwells each of us. Jesus said of the Spirit, “He dwells with you and will be in you” (John 14:17). Because we are indwelt with the Holy Spirit, followers of Jesus are commanded to be filled with, surrendered to, submit to the control of, the Holy Spirit. “And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit” (Ephesians 5:18). We are to be led by the Spirit of God. “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are the sons of God” (Romans 8:14). Followers of Jesus are to live in obedience to God. “And we are His witnesses to these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him” (Acts 5:32). We are to give witness of Jesus to others. “You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witness to Me…” (Acts 1:8). Are you following Jesus?


Some thoughts to ponder,

Robert D. Finley, Ph.D.

July 2020



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