This is My beloved Son; hear ye Him

The phrase "This is My beloved Son; hear ye Him" appears in the New Testament during significant moments in Jesus' life, emphasizing His divine identity and authority. These words, spoken by God the Father, affirm Jesus as the Son of God and instruct His followers to listen to and obey Him. This statement occurs notably during two key events: Jesus' baptism and the Transfiguration.

1. The Baptism of Jesus

At Jesus’ baptism, we see the first instance where God declares His pleasure in His Son. In Matthew 3:16-17, as Jesus rises from the waters of the Jordan River, the heavens open, and the Spirit of God descends upon Him like a dove. A voice from heaven proclaims, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” This moment marks the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry and establishes His divine authority and identity. Through this, God confirms Jesus’ mission to reveal God’s kingdom and to redeem humanity.

• Biblical Reference: "And a voice from heaven said, ‘This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased’” (Matthew 3:17).

2. The Transfiguration of Jesus

Another powerful moment where God declares Jesus as His beloved Son occurs during the Transfiguration, recorded in Matthew 17:5, Mark 9:7, and Luke 9:35. Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up a mountain, where He is transfigured before them. His face shines like the sun, and His clothes become dazzling white. Moses and Elijah appear beside Him, representing the Law and the Prophets, which Jesus fulfills. Then, a bright cloud covers them, and God speaks from the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye Him.”

This event underscores Jesus’ supreme authority, above even Moses and Elijah. God’s command to “hear Him” urges believers to heed Jesus’ teachings, revealing Him as the ultimate source of truth and salvation.

• Biblical Reference: "While He was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, ‘This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!’” (Matthew 17:5).

3. The Significance of “Hear Ye Him”

God’s command to “hear Him” emphasizes the authority of Jesus’ words and teachings. It is a call to prioritize Christ’s teachings, not only as moral guidance but as the pathway to eternal life. Jesus Himself said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6). To “hear” Jesus is to believe in Him, follow His teachings, and recognize Him as the mediator between God and humanity.

This command also signifies that Jesus’ words have power. When we listen to Him and align our lives with His teaching, we align ourselves with God’s will. Jesus is not just another prophet or teacher; He is the beloved Son of God, whose words are the source of spiritual life and truth.

4. How This Applies to Us Today

The declaration “This is My beloved Son; hear ye Him” is a timeless reminder for believers to focus on Jesus as the central figure of faith. It challenges us to prioritize His words over all else, inviting us to study, meditate on, and apply His teachings in our lives. In a world filled with competing voices, God’s directive is clear: Jesus’ voice is the one we must heed.

When we face challenges or need direction, “hearing” Jesus means turning to His words, which provide wisdom, comfort, and strength. Jesus continues to call His followers to love one another, live righteously, and bear witness to God’s kingdom on earth.

Conclusion

The words “This is My beloved Son; hear ye Him” are a powerful affirmation of Jesus’ divine authority and a command for all believers to follow Him wholeheartedly. Through these words, God invites us to embrace Jesus as our guide, Savior, and Lord, trusting in His wisdom and love.

Closing Prayer

Abba Father, in the name of Jesus, thank You for revealing Your beloved Son to us and for calling us to hear and follow Him. Help us, Lord, to listen to Jesus’ words with open hearts and obedient spirits. May we embrace His teachings, live out His love, and walk in His truth. In the almighty name of Jesus, Amen.