11:3-6 - "...and it was not a harsh voice, neither was it a loud voice; nevertheless, and notwithstanding it being a small voice it did pierce them that did hear to the center..."
The voice was very soft - why?
There may be many reasons, including encouraging the people to be more quiet and listen to the Holy Spirit more, but I also think that it could be because there were many children there at the time. In order to not frighten them, God spoke softly, reminding them who was speaking.
The Holy Ghost speaks in a still small voice as well, so we need to be ready to listen.
11:7 - "...in whom I am well pleased..."
There is no such thing as righteous pride - so the Father was "well pleased."
We need to leave all our pride and instead have righteous happiness. We can be pleased in the work that we do, the service that we give, and the blessings that we enjoy, but we must remember the source of all these things and be grateful to God for all that we are given.
11:21-28 - "...And he said unto them: On this wise shall ye baptize..."
The first thing that the people asked for (in verse 17 they shouted Hosanna, which means "Save me") was salvation, so Jesus taught them about baptism first.
That is what they needed to know, and what we need to know and teach. Without baptism, we cannot progress.
11:37-38 - "...And again I say unto you, ye must repent, and become as a little child, and be baptized in my name..."
A child has great faith in their father and mother. There is a lot of trust and dependence. As we seek to be "saved" we must have the faith and trust and dependence that will help us become as little children - meek, humble, and submissive.
And grateful!
Very good insights! Thanks!
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