Post by foxjj on Jun 27, 2023 6:53:21 GMT
Preparing the Way Luke 3:1-18 (ESV)
In chapter 3 of his gospel, Luke introduces his readers to the ministry of John son of Zechariah, who played a crucial role in introducing the ministry of Messiah, by proclaiming a baptism of repentance.
“In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene, 2 during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John the son of Zechariah in the wilderness. 3 And he went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.”
The Gospel of Luke places the ministry of the son of Mary’s cousin Elizabeth, in a historical time setting by referring to the reign of Tiberius Caesar, and naming Pontius Pilot as the Roman prefect in Palestine. To enforce the actual time even more, Luke goes on to mention Herod Antipas and his brother Philip the sons of Herod the Great, who was ruling Judea when Jesus was born. He then proceeds to declare that John was the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy:
“As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet,
“The voice of one crying in the wilderness:
Prepare the way of the Lord,
make his paths straight.
5 Every valley shall be filled,
and every mountain and hill shall be made low,
and the crooked shall become straight,
and the rough places shall become level ways,
6 and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.’”
John spoke concerning the importance of repentance to the people who had gathered. People from all walks of life came to hear this prophet, included Pharisees. He did not mince his words calling them a brood of vipers, indicating clearly they were far from God. John sternly warned claiming their religious heritage was meaningless without showing the fruit of repentance:
“He said therefore to the crowds that came out to be baptized by him, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8 Bear fruits in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children for Abraham. 9 Even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees. Every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.”
Because the people held John in high regard as a prophet from God, they asked the all important question of what they must do. This question is as relevant today as when first asked. Consequently, we should pay heed to John’s responded:
“And the crowds asked him, “What then shall we do?” 11 And he answered them, “Whoever has two tunics is to share with him who has none, and whoever has food is to do likewise.” 12 Tax collectors also came to be baptized and said to him, “Teacher, what shall we do?” 13 And he said to them, “Collect no more than you are authorized to do.” 14 Soldiers also asked him, “And we, what shall we do?” And he said to them, “Do not extort money from anyone by threats or by false accusation, and be content with your wages.”
Many of the people still questioned who John actually was. Could this man of God be the long awaited Messiah also called Christ?
“As the people were in expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Christ, 16 John answered them all, saying, “I baptize you with water, but he who is mightier than I is coming, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 17 His winnowing fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.” 18 So with many other exhortations he preached good news to the people.”
John preached The Good News that The Promised One was coming. Today we know John was referring to Jesus of Nazareth. For all who receive Jesus as their Lord and Savior God gives peace to their troubled heart, giving hope not only for this life but also for the life to come. Do you know this Savior? Or on the other hand, are you still asking, “What then shall I do?” If you are not sure of your eternal destiny, now is the time to put that right. Just talk to God, for He is listening. Be honest, tell Him of your doubts, and confess your sins. He will forgive and remember them no more. Jesus died for your sin, desiring to give you eternal life. Make Jesus the Lord of your life. He will fill you with his Spirit. Then you also will know what to do.
Today, let us give thanks to our God for The Good News,
John Joseph Fox.
In chapter 3 of his gospel, Luke introduces his readers to the ministry of John son of Zechariah, who played a crucial role in introducing the ministry of Messiah, by proclaiming a baptism of repentance.
“In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene, 2 during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John the son of Zechariah in the wilderness. 3 And he went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.”
The Gospel of Luke places the ministry of the son of Mary’s cousin Elizabeth, in a historical time setting by referring to the reign of Tiberius Caesar, and naming Pontius Pilot as the Roman prefect in Palestine. To enforce the actual time even more, Luke goes on to mention Herod Antipas and his brother Philip the sons of Herod the Great, who was ruling Judea when Jesus was born. He then proceeds to declare that John was the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy:
“As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet,
“The voice of one crying in the wilderness:
Prepare the way of the Lord,
make his paths straight.
5 Every valley shall be filled,
and every mountain and hill shall be made low,
and the crooked shall become straight,
and the rough places shall become level ways,
6 and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.’”
John spoke concerning the importance of repentance to the people who had gathered. People from all walks of life came to hear this prophet, included Pharisees. He did not mince his words calling them a brood of vipers, indicating clearly they were far from God. John sternly warned claiming their religious heritage was meaningless without showing the fruit of repentance:
“He said therefore to the crowds that came out to be baptized by him, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8 Bear fruits in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children for Abraham. 9 Even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees. Every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.”
Because the people held John in high regard as a prophet from God, they asked the all important question of what they must do. This question is as relevant today as when first asked. Consequently, we should pay heed to John’s responded:
“And the crowds asked him, “What then shall we do?” 11 And he answered them, “Whoever has two tunics is to share with him who has none, and whoever has food is to do likewise.” 12 Tax collectors also came to be baptized and said to him, “Teacher, what shall we do?” 13 And he said to them, “Collect no more than you are authorized to do.” 14 Soldiers also asked him, “And we, what shall we do?” And he said to them, “Do not extort money from anyone by threats or by false accusation, and be content with your wages.”
Many of the people still questioned who John actually was. Could this man of God be the long awaited Messiah also called Christ?
“As the people were in expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Christ, 16 John answered them all, saying, “I baptize you with water, but he who is mightier than I is coming, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 17 His winnowing fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.” 18 So with many other exhortations he preached good news to the people.”
John preached The Good News that The Promised One was coming. Today we know John was referring to Jesus of Nazareth. For all who receive Jesus as their Lord and Savior God gives peace to their troubled heart, giving hope not only for this life but also for the life to come. Do you know this Savior? Or on the other hand, are you still asking, “What then shall I do?” If you are not sure of your eternal destiny, now is the time to put that right. Just talk to God, for He is listening. Be honest, tell Him of your doubts, and confess your sins. He will forgive and remember them no more. Jesus died for your sin, desiring to give you eternal life. Make Jesus the Lord of your life. He will fill you with his Spirit. Then you also will know what to do.
Today, let us give thanks to our God for The Good News,
John Joseph Fox.
