Tag: Luke 3
“What shall we do?”
Scripture reading for March 6: Luke 3
“. . .during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the Word of God came to John the son of Zechariah in the wilderness. And he went into all the region around Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. . . .And the crowds asked him, “What then shall we do?” And he answered them, “Whoever has two tunics is to share with him who has none, and whoever has food is to do likewise.” Tax collectors also came to be baptized and said to him, “Teacher, what shall we do?” And He said to them, “Collect no more than you are authorized to do.” Soldiers also asked him, “And we, what shall we do?” And He said to them, do not extort money from anyone by threats or false accusation, and be content with your wages.”” Luke 3:2-3, 10-14
When the time was right, John the Baptist received the Word of God in the wilderness. He responded by preaching as instructed a call to repentance and water baptism for all for forgiveness of sins. As the people heard the message, they asked John specifically what repentance would look like for them. To each inquirer, John gave a specific answer as the Word of God came to him. We might call John’s answers a “Word of knowledge given through the Holy Spirit.” Each person then had the opportunity to respond to the instructions and submit to water baptism as an act of faith that they had repented and received cleansing.
As we ponder John’s ministry and also that of Jesus and His disciples, we can see that as the Word of God is preached and declared, the Holy Spirit brings conviction of sin and our need of righteousness and of the coming judgment on unforgiven sin. We know our own guilt and also cry out to God for mercy and a new pathway of obedience. Repentance is more than being sorry for sin. Repentance asks God for mercy and then sets a new direction of obedience and faith in God’s Word. What we once did as the world, we now have turned from and do what God helps us to do through the Word and Holy Spirit.
Have you ever heard God’s Word preached and experienced conviction of sin? What was your response to the conviction? Did you ask God, “What then shall I do?”
Prayer: Father God, thank You for Your amazing Word and those that You have called to proclaim it. Thank You for the example of John the Baptist and his ministry. Empower me daily to share Your Word with those You send me to. May they ask “What then shall we do?” as the Holy Spirit draws them to godly sorrow and repentance. Amen.
Identity from the Father!
Scripture reading for March 7th: Luke 3
Key scriptures for over-comers: Luke 3:21-23. “When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as He was praying, heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended on Him in bodily form like a dove. And a Voice came from heaven: “You are My Son, whom I love, with You I am well-pleased.” Now Jesus Himself was about thirty years old when He began His ministry, He was the son, so it was thought of Joseph, . .”
Who is your father here on earth? Jesus had an earthly adoptive ‘father’ named Joseph who was descended from a famous ‘father’ in Israel, King David. David, in turn, was a descendant of Abraham. Abraham’s lineage went all the way back to Adam! Luke was showing the Gentiles that Jesus was the ‘Son of Man’. But Luke also showed that Jesus had a real Father in heaven. At Jesus’ baptism, the voice of the Father clearly declared “You are My Son, Whom I love, with You I am well-pleased!” Jesus may have been known as ‘the carpenter’s son’, but He was also God’s Son!
Observations for over-comers: We may have an earthly father, or maybe not one we know. But when we are born again in Christ Jesus, we have a Father in heaven who says to us at our baptism, ‘You are My Son (Daughter), Whom I love, with You I am well-pleased.” “When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?” (Psalm 8:3-4)
Boring genealogy?
Scripture reading for March 6th: Luke 3
When most people read the Bible, they are confused by the lists of names, many that are unfamiliar and hard to pronounce. These lists are often skipped to get to the ‘good stuff’! But our Father cares about names and keeps records. Individuals are important and God knows each person by name! God also honors His Word given to past individuals. He never lies, but is a God of truth!
“Now Jesus Himself was about thirty years old when He began His ministry. He was the son, so it was thought, of Joseph, the son of Heli, . . .The son of David, the son of Jesse, . . . the son of Jacob, the son of Isaac, the son of Abraham,. . . the son of Shem, the son of Noah, . . . the son of Seth, the son of Adam, the son of God.” (Luke 3:23, 31-32, 34, 38) Luke explained that it appeared that Jesus was the son of Joseph. This is what some people thought, however, Jesus had been conceived by miraculous means and was really the Son of God! (Luke 1:31-32) (Luke 3:22) Joseph, however, was a descendant of David and that would make Jesus legally eligible to take the throne of David! Jesus was also in the line of Abraham, and heir of the promises that through his Seed, all nations would be blessed! (Genesis 12:3) Jesus was also a son of Noah and his righteous son Shem. In fact, Luke traced the righteous line all the way back to Adam and the promised “Seed of Woman” who would crush the head of the Serpent! (Genesis 3:15)
Genealogies are never boring in God’s Word! They tell a story of God’s plans and His faithfulness to keep His Word. Through faith in the Son of God, Jesus Christ, we are in His story too!