Dove

8/10 in Spiritual Symbols Series

Matthew 3:16 (NLT) — 16 After his baptism, as Jesus came up out of the water, 

the heavens were opened and he saw the Spirit of God 

descending like a dove and settling on him.

Our blessed Spirit, assumed the corporeal form of a dove, 

and descended upon Jesus' sacred head. 

It was a hallowed occasion, when all three members of the Trinity were evident. 

The beloved Son was there. Holy Spirit was there in dove form. 

Father’s Voice was heard from heaven pronouncing His blessing on Jesus. 

This is one of three occasions when the Father spoke from heaven 

in delighted acknowledgment of His unique Son.  

The symbol of the Spirit as a dove is important: 

the dove is a clean bird; 

it is faithful to its mate in love; 

it is peaceful and gentle. 

Christ was born through the Power of God’s Holy Spirit 

and was  empowered by God’s Holy Spirit for His life and ministry.

^[1] MacDonald, W. (1995). Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments.  Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

^[2] Wiersbe, W. W. (1992). Wiersbe’s expository outlines on the New Testament  Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.