1. There Is Power in Our Presence

Matthew 3:16 – “And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him…”

• The first clear action of God the Father in this moment is that He shows up. His presence is immediate, active, and intentional.

• This moment affirms the consistent nature of God across Scripture:
  “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1).

• Even when earthly fathers are absent or inconsistent, God is always present. He sees, He knows, and He is near.

• Jesus’ baptism becomes a moment not only of obedience, but of affirmation—affirmation rooted in presence.

• Pastor Connor used a personal illustration:
  His father’s consistent attendance at childhood sports games left a lasting impact.
  Presence wasn’t passive—it communicated value and security.

• Another moment came from family camp, where his daughter was facing fears as she attempted a ropes course and she said:
  “Dad, will you come closer so I can hear your voice?”
  The Father’s nearness matters.

• Application for dads and families:

  • Show up. Being there matters more than having the perfect words or plans.

  • Our world often minimizes presence, but God models its power.

• And when earthly presence falls short, God’s grace fills in:
  “When the ideal is lacking, God’s grace abounds.”
  The church can be the community that steps in with faithful presence and support.

2. There Is Power in Our Identity

Matthew 3:17 – “This is my beloved Son…”

• As God the Father speaks, His first words affirm identity:
  “This is my beloved Son…”
  He doesn’t say this after Jesus performs miracles or proves Himself—He says it before.

• This is crucial: Identity precedes performance.

• Pastor Connor explained: It’s like God is saying, “That one belongs to Me.”

• This truth is often inverted in our culture, where love and identity are conditional.

• Referencing Kelly Clarkson’s song Piece by Piece, he described the ache left by fathers who only show up when success arrives. God is not that way.

• In Christ, we are made new and given a new identity:

  • A new heart – Ezekiel 36:26

  • A new spirit – Ezekiel 18:31

  • A new name – Revelation 2:17

  • A new song – Psalm 40:3

  • A new creation – 2 Corinthians 5:17

  • A new self – Ephesians 4:24

• Through salvation, we are adopted as children of God (Ephesians 1).

• God’s claim over us isn’t earned—it’s gifted.

• Pastor Connor used adoption as a powerful metaphor:
  Families don’t adopt because a child earned it—they adopt because they’ve chosen to love and claim them.

  • “Gotcha Day” celebrations show the joy and permanence of that identity.

• Application:

  • Our identity in Christ is not tied to achievement.

  • Dads should affirm their children’s identity before success—tell them they are loved and valued now.

3. There Is Power in Our Unconditional Love

Matthew 3:17 – “…my beloved Son…”

• The word “beloved” reveals God’s unconditional affection toward His Son.

• What’s significant here is what Jesus has not done yet:

  • No miracles

  • No public preaching

  • No signs or wonders

  • No cross, no resurrection

• And still, God declares: “I love you. You are Mine.”

• In a world that ties love to performance or productivity, God breaks that mold.

• The gospel affirms this love:

  • John 3:16–17 – “For God so loved the world…”

  • Romans 5:8 – “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

• Pastor Connor’s powerful illustration:
  He loves his daughters Libby and Hannah (both profoundly disabled) not because of what they can achieve, but because God gave them to him.

• Application:

  • Dads: Tell your kids you love them before they do anything “worth” celebrating.

  • Say it before the game, the test, the graduation.

  • And tell them why: “Because God gave you to me.”

• This is the gospel: We are loved without performance.

4. There Is Power in Our Speaking Joy

Matthew 3:17 – “…with whom I am well pleased.”

• The final phrase spoken by God the Father is full of joy, affirmation, and delight.

• It is not only said to Jesus but about Jesus—for everyone to hear.

• Pastor Connor highlighted that this statement comes before Jesus does any ministry.

• That means:

  • God delights in His Son, not because of what He will do, but simply because He is His Son.

• This affirmation could have strengthened Jesus for what came next:

  • Immediately after His baptism, Jesus faces 40 days of temptation in the wilderness.

  • The spoken joy of the Father equips Him to endure what lies ahead.

• Words are powerful:

  • We all know people who speak joy—they give life.

  • We also know people who constantly speak negativity—they drain it.

  • Which are we?

• Dads, consider this:
  If your kids were asked to describe you, would they say you are:

  • A joyful man with moments of frustration?

  • Or a frustrated man with only moments of joy?

• Pastor Connor called fathers to speak joy over their children—consistently and clearly.

  • “I am proud of you.”

  • “You bring me joy.”

  • “You make me smile.”

• Our words carry weight. Use them to bless, not burden.

Closing Reflection

John 1:11–12 – “But to all who did receive him… he gave the right to become children of God.”

• What God the Father says to Jesus at His baptism, He also says to every believer:

  • “You are My child.”

  • “I love you.”

  • “You bring Me joy.”

• No matter your story with your earthly father—whether present, absent, or complicated—your heavenly Father is present, He claims you, He loves you, and He delights in you.

• That is the gospel.