And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: (Matthew 3:16)
That is, light in the shape of a dove (DA 112), perhaps similar to the tongues of fire at Pentecost (Acts 2:3). The dove was a rabbinical symbol for Israel as a nation. Christian artists have generally made use of the dove as a symbol for the Holy Spirit, doubtless on the basis of this incident.
The Spirit of God.
There is no reason for supposing that the presence and influence of the Holy Spirit had not accompanied Jesus ever since His birth. What is here pointed out is a special anointing with power to accomplish the task appointed Him (Acts 10:38; see on Luke 2:49), as the prophet Isaiah had foretold (Isa. 11:2, 3). The work of the Holy Spirit in the development of character is to be distinguished from the gift of the Spirit qualifying men for certain tasks (1 Cor. 12:4-11).
He saw.
Matthew and Mark (ch. 1:10) observe that Jesus beheld the visible descent of the Holy Spirit; John remarks that the Baptist also witnessed the divine manifestation (ch. 1:32-34). Luke simply notes that it took place (ch. 3:21, 22). A few others, perhaps certain of John’s disciples and other devout persons whose souls were attuned to heaven, also saw what occurred (DA 112, 137). Otherwise, the assembled multitude witnessed only the light of heaven upon the Saviour’s upturned face and felt the holy solemnity of the occasion. This manifestation of the Father’s glory and voice came in response to the Saviour’s prayer for strength and wisdom to pursue His mission. In it John also recognized the token that had been promised whereby he was to recognize “the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” (see John 1:29-34). Finally, the sublime scene was to strengthen the faith of those who witnessed it and prepare them for the announcement by which John pointed out the Messiah 40 days later.
Heavens were opened.
Momentarily the gates of the unseen world swung ajar, as upon other significant occasions (see Acts 7:55-57).
Lo.
Or, “behold,” a common expression in Matthew and Luke. It is generally used either to introduce a new section of the narrative or to focus attention on details of an account the author considers particularly important.
Out of the water.
Coming forth from the Jordan, Jesus knelt upon the bank of the river in prayer, particularly for evidence that the Father accepted humanity in the person of His Son, and for the success of His mission (Luke 3:21; DA 111, 112).