A Companion to

Monday with Matthew: Week 3

“And a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.’”
— Matthew 3:17 (NIV)

Original Language

• Greek: υἱὸς τοῦ θεοῦ (huios tou theou)
• Pronunciation: HWEE-os too THEH-oo
• Literal Translation: “Son of God”
• Word Breakdown:
  • υἱός (huios) = son, heir, one bearing the character of
  • θεός (theos) = God

This isn’t just a biological title — it’s a statement of identity, authority, and divine relationship.

Theological Insight

This is the first time in Matthew that the title Son of God is publicly spoken — and it’s not by a prophet, priest, or angel… it’s by God the Father Himself.

Before Jesus teaches, heals, or calls disciples — the Father calls Him “Son.”

It’s also the climactic moment of Jesus’ baptism, marking:

• His divine identity
• The affirmation of the Father
• The anointing of the Spirit (v.16)
• The inauguration of His public ministry

This phrase echoes Psalm 2:7, a royal coronation psalm:

“You are my Son; today I have become your Father.”

It also whispers of Isaiah 42:1, the suffering servant:

“Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom I delight…”

The Father’s declaration is a fusion of:

• Messianic Kingship
• Servant Obedience
• Eternal Sonship

Devotional Depth

Let this sink in:

• Jesus hadn’t preached a sermon.
• He hadn’t performed a miracle.
• He hadn’t called a single disciple.

And yet — the heavens opened, and the Father declared:

“You are My Son. I love You. I am pleased with You.”

Not for what He would do — but because of who He was.

How often do we chase affirmation through performance?
But God’s voice affirms before Jesus acts. That’s grace. That’s love. That’s Sonship.

And because of Christ, you are invited into that same relationship:

“To all who received him… he gave the right to become children of God.”
— John 1:12

Reflection

• What voices have tried to define your worth?
• Do you believe that your identity in God is secure before your success or failure?
• How would your life change if you believed the Father’s voice over all others?

Prayer

Abba Father,
Before the noise of the world… speak again.
Remind me that I am Yours. Not because of what I do — but because of who You are.
Teach me to live as Your beloved.
Let the waters of baptism still echo in my soul:
“You are My child. I love you. I am pleased.”
In Jesus’ name, Amen.