As part of “A New Christmas Tradition”, I am posting my thoughts on the Book of Luke as we read through one chapter per day in this month of December. I welcome you to read along, and share your thoughts in the comments.
Luke Chapter 3:
Verses 1-2: My husband noticed the list of high government and religious leaders mentioned in these verses, but verse two notes that “the word of God came unto John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness.” Humble, faithful, honest John, chosen to prepare the way before the long awaited Messiah.
Verse 3: He didn’t preach in the synagogues, but went into all the country about Jordan. He preached a message of repentance, to turn people from their sins to God.
Verses 4-6 In fulfillment of prophecy (Isaiah 40:3-5).
Verses 7-9: He didn’t preach a smooth message that allowed people to feel good in their sins; and there were many he refused to baptize. It’s pretty clear to me by this passage that water baptism doesn’t save us. If it did, he would have baptized anyone that came to him. But he required proof of genuine repentance, which shows itself in a changed life.
Verses 10-14: He gave practical life examples of what the fruits of repentance look like in a our everyday lives.
Verses 15-17: When people wondered if he was the Christ, he let them know that Christ was much greater than he, and would be coming to do a work in the lives of men and women, by the power of the Holy Ghost.
Verses 19-20: He showed no partiality in his preaching, and because his message of truth exposed sin Herod’s life, he was imprisoned.
Vs 21-22: Jesus himself was baptized, to let us know that we must be baptized, as a testimony of the work of God done in our hearts when we repent.
Verses 23-38: The genealogy of Jesus listed here is actually Mary’s family tree. Joseph’s is recorded in Matthew 1:1-16.
Links to prior posts:
Prophecy Fulfilled: John the Baptist
Born to be Sin Free 