When Jesus was on earth he was virtually unheard of for 30 years. Then something remarkable happened.
We read in Matt. 3:16, 17 that the moment Jesus came out of the water in his baptism, heaven opened up and the voice of the Father said, “This is my son, whom I love. With him, I am well pleased.”
Later in Matthew, we read that Jesus was on the Mount of Transfiguration with 3 disciples, when the Father spoke those exact same words about his Son, with one exceptional addition: the phrase, “Listen to him.”
Those words communicated:
- Acceptance– This is my son
- Affection– I love him
- Affirmation– I’m proud of him
- Anointing– Listen to him
In the next 3 years, Jesus changed all of history. This is the power of blessing. We can do the same with our children, and others in our lives who we love. Words of blessing and anointing from men to men carry an enormous impact.
In his last hours before being crucified, we read in Matt. 27:12-14 that Jesus remained silent before his accusers. To their “great amazement.” Rather than for self-defense, Jesus chose his last words to be ones of blessing to a broad spectrum of people, some of whom barely deserved his attention.
The last words Jesus spoke before dying were:
- Blessing to women who mourn— “Do not weep for me.” Lk. 23:28
- Blessing to his mother and John— “Woman, here is your son…” John 19:26, 27
- Blessing to those who crucified him!— “Father, forgive them.” Lk. 23:34
- Blessing to the thief who believed— “You will join me in paradise.” Lk. 23:43
Later, after he rose from the dead, Jesus’ very last words on earth were blessing and anointing of his followers. Mt. 28:19, 20:
- Go, make disciples, baptize, teach. Obey everything I have commanded you.
- Surely, I will be with you always, to the very end of the age.
We refer to this as the Great Commission, which it is. But I think Jesus’ words were also powerful words of anointing.
Men, words of blessing can, and should, be an intentional part of our legacy just as it was Jesus’. We can watch for opportunities to pass on blessing, anointing, and affirmation to the lives of others. It is the impact of our touch, our voice, our eyes, and our presence.
Passing on a blessing becomes the fingerprint we leave in the lives of others after we’re gone. Who needs to hear yours?
If you’d like to hear the full content of this 20-minute message recently spoken to 400 men, just click on this link: “Passing on a Blessing.”
My greatest joy in life is my family. I know, that sounds like the comment you’re supposed to make as a man and father. All I can say is I literally shake my head in wonder at the family I have: my wife Beryl; my daughter Barclay and son-in-law Vince, their four daughters, Bella, Brynn, Brooke and Blake; my son Alec, my son Conor and daughter-in-law Bonnie, their daughter Gemma and son Calvin. Every one of them is a genuine gift. Beyond that, I have a calling that I live out through Peregrine Ministries. It is to help men: Understand their identity in Christ, Embrace their role as men, and Live out their God-given calling in life. Bottom line is I’m convinced men matter and I want to help them live life on purpose.