Luke 3:1-20
Q.1. In what kind of world was John ministering? Should we be surprised that God was wanting to change it? – (Lk.3:1-6)
Luke showed us that he was reporting on real history. He informed us that John began his ministry – 1 in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, and Herod was tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip was tetrarch of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias was tetrarch of Abilene, 2 in the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas … (Lk.3:1-2). Then he reported where it was that John received his authority to preach – … the word of God came to John … in the wilderness (Lk.3:2). Luke connected John’s ministry with the prophecy of Isaiah (Isa.40:3-5). Isaiah had foretold John’s ministry hundreds of years before. He would prepare the hearts of the people – and then all flesh will see the salvation of God (Lk.3:6). Luke recorded that John began – preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins (Lk.3:3). The Roman Empire had brought much distress to godly people and had become increasingly wicked. As always, the Lord was seeking out a penitent people to bring into His everlasting family.
Q.2. How would John’s practical demands be received today? Why should real faith be seen in our lifestyle? – (Lk.3:7-14, 18-20)
John the Baptist was not satisfied with an emotional response to his preaching. He expected people to change their daily conduct (Lk.3:7-9). He applied his message relentlessly to all sections of society – descendants of Abraham, the well-to-do, tax-collectors, and also the soldiers (Lk.3:10-14). John even gave Herod and Herodias a ‘dishonourable mention’ (Lk.3:18-20). He was not afraid to state clearly how real repentance should look. As far as John was concerned, genuine faith and repentance should be demonstrated by a transformed life (Lk.3:8). His message would not be popular in today’s world.
Q.3. What kind of impact did John’s ministry have? What character qualities did John display? – (Lk.3:15-17)
John’s ministry was so dramatic that it contributed to a heightened expectation of Messiah’s coming. Some even thought that John himself might be the Messiah (Lk.3:15). John soon set them straight – 16 … As for me, I baptize you with water; but One is coming who is mightier than I, and I am not fit to untie the thong of His sandals (Lk.3:16). John warned of a coming judgment for those refusing to make room in their hearts for the Saviour – 16 … He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 17 His winnowing fork is in His hand to thoroughly clear His threshing floor, and to gather the wheat into His barn; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire (Lk.3:16-17). John displayed great courage by proclaiming the truth without fear or favour. However, in spite of his boldness, he did not get carried away with his own importance, but pointed all who came under his influence, to Jesus. (c.f. Jn.3:28-30).