Luke Part 13: The Beginning of Jesus' Ministry

Text: Luke 3:21-37

This section of the Bible contains the record of Jesus' entry into public ministry. Jesus began his ministry, we see, at the age of 30. This was in accordance with the age prescribed for priests to start their ministry (Num. 4:47).

Why was Jesus baptized? Baptism at this time was a ritual for Gentiles who converted to Judaism. For the Jews who were coming to John the Baptist, it showed that the Jew recognized his need of salvation being the same as that of the Gentile.

So why was Jesus baptized? He didn't have any sins He needed to repent of. Jesus was baptised in order to show that he was part of humanity, that He was undertaking His ministry fully as a man. He was fulfilling Isaiah 53:12 and choosing to be "numbered with the transgressors". In taking the position of one of the transgressors, He here began to bear our sins and would continue to be "numbered with the transgressors" to the end of His ministry. (Luke 22:37)

The genealogy in this section emphasizes Jesus's humanity. While Matthew's gospel, written primarily to the Jews, traces Christ's ancestry back to Abraham, the gentile Luke traces the genealogy all the way to Adam, showing that Jesus was a representative of not just the Jews, but the Gentiles as well. Adam is described in verse 38 as "the son of God". In a sense, Adam was the first son of God. He failed. Christ, as the only begotten Son of God came to succeed and bring the transgressors back into the original relationship as (adopted) sons of God. We are brought back to the Garden!

After Christ was baptized, the Holy Spirit descended upon Him, "in bodily form like a dove". John testified (John 1:32) that the Spirit remained upon Him. In all the gospels it is made clear that Christ was filled with the Spirit and was exercising His ministry as a man in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Jesus is our example in His two acts of obedience described in this passage. First, in baptism, Christ showed His oneness with sinners. We show our oneness with Him when we are baptized.

Jesus' second act of obedience was prayer. Christ prayed and prayed repeatedly. How much more should we feel a need of being in fellowship with the Father! Are we in a ministry, to others or even just to our kids? Pray! Do we love others enough to pray for them, to bear their burdens? Does our sin drive us away from Christ, or towards Him in prayer, as it should?

The result of Christ's obedience was God's voice from heaven, telling Jesus He was well-pleased with Him, and that He was "beloved". God was saying, "I love You, Son." When we are in obedience and prayer, we can likewise feel God's love and know that He is pleased with our service to Him, flawed as it is.

Luke Part 12: The Conclusion of John's Message

Text: Luke 3:15-20

This section contains the final part of John the Baptist's message. At the end of the section, we have a reminder from Luke that he hasn't provided all of John's teachings in detail, but has only captured a summary of his most important themes. Luke did want us to know what John told Herod. John was absolutely unyielding in declaring the truth; he did not shrink from being straightforward and direct in condemning Herod's sin. This unflinching call to repent was done out out of love for the lost -- John wanted Herod, like all that he preached to, to turn from his sin. There's no place for harshness or meanness in preaching the gospel.

In verse 15, we see that the people were in suspense and excited about the question of who John was. They wondered if he was the promised Messiah. But John was quick to deflect all glory to Christ. John declared that he was not the Christ, and indeed he was not even worthy to be called a slave of Christ.

It's often difficult for us to proclaim the truth to others. We see our own sin and need of repentance, and wonder how we can call others to repent of their sin. John likewise saw his own sinfulness. He knew he was nothing, but he didn't get depressed about it. It didn't cause him to lack the courage to speak out, rather by understanding his lowly estate before God, he had the freedom to preach boldly, as one with no pride or reputation to be worried about.

John told the people that Jesus was coming to baptize, not with water, but with the Holy Spirit. This baptism of the Holy Spirit, which we see fulfilled in Acts 1, was also a fulfillment of the prophecy of Joel 2:28.

John also describes how Jesus is going to baptize with fire. This baptism with fire was foretold in Malachi 3 and has two elements. First, the personal baptism of fire (Mal 3:3), compared to the fire of the gold refiner. Our trials purify us and prepare us for heaven, with the purpose (Mal 3:4) that we should bring praises to God. Secondly, there is a judgmental fire (Mal 3:5): a fire of judgment carried out against nations and groups who do not please God. Both aspects are found here in this section of Luke.

Finally, in verse 17 we have a picture of Jesus as a worker on the threshing floor, with his winnowing fork in his hand. He will make a separation among the people; those who do not embrace his will be destroyed, like the chaff. Those who do, His children will be "drawn into His barn", taken into a safe place, and kept. Repent and turn to Him! Do not be caught in your sins and destroyed!

Luke, Part 11: John the Baptist’s Message of Repentance

Text: Luke 3:1-14

This section of Luke details the message of John the Baptist.  It begins by briefly giving the historical setting, telling us which governors and tetrarchs were in power.  Interestingly, there were two high priests at this time.  Annas was the original high priest, but he has displeased the Romans, so the Jews had established his son-in-law Caiphas as high priest as well.  The Romans only recognized Caiphas, but the Jews recognized both!  This was a perversion of their religion, as the Jewish law allowed for only one high priest at a time.

We see again that the word of the Lord did not come through the political establishment, or through the religious structure of the day.  Instead, the word of the Lord came to John, out in the desert, apart from the power structure of the time.

“The word of the Lord came”…  This is what every true prophet needs.  The word of God for us today is what we need as well.  We see that God was as work in this situation, bringing John His word and bringing him an audience.

What was the word that was given to John?  Repentance, specifically “a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins”.  What was this baptism?  This baptism had its roots in the Old Covenant – all Gentiles who wanted to enter into the Covenant had to be immersed in water.  The Gentile body was considered unclean and had to be put completely under the water.

John famously referred to his hearers as a “brood of vipers”.  They had the poison of sin within them, as do all men who have not repented and believed upon Christ.  John told them to quit thinking so highly of themselves and trusting in their lineage from Abraham.  Likewise, we today must humble ourselves and come to Christ without trusting in our Christian parents or church attendance, or any thing, but come to Him in true humility and true repentance.

True repentance is:

1. A complete change of mind – we no longer want to be the ruler of our own destiny; we want God to rule
2. A complete change of heart – we have a new love.  Instead of loving ourselves supremely, we love Christ.
3. A complete change of will – we used to serve ourselves and serve sin.  Now we serve Christ and do righteousness.

“What shall we do?” asked the hearers.  How should we live our lives?  John’s response was that we should continue in our given occupations, working honestly, defrauding no one, giving to those in need.

This is a message for today, as well as for John’s day.  Men and women still need to repent, to turn from their sins and receive forgiveness.

Luke Part 10: Young Jesus in the Temple

Text: Luke 2:40-52

This passage is particularly interesting because it represents the only Biblical description of Jesus' younger years; it is the only passage describing Jesus before His public ministry. This account was probably given to Luke by Mary, one of the eyewitness accounts Luke mentioned previously as sources for his gospel.

The first thing we see from this passage is that Joseph and Mary took their religious duties seriously. Probably Joseph went to Jerusalem three times a year to participate in the feasts. For one feast of the year, the Passover, women and children were allowed, and we see here that Joseph and Mary attended this feast every year with their family. We have a similar duty to raise our children in a proper environment, where God is lifted up. If Jesus needed to be under the authority of godly parents, how much more do our children need to be under our authority and influenced for good.

Secondly, Joseph and Mary had fellowship with their fellow citizens. They were not totally isolated. Probably, as they traveled in the caravan, the children would walk at the front, with the women behind, and the men at the back. This would allow for fellowship and discussion, and it explains how Joseph and Mary missed Jesus' absence, probably thinking He was up front with the children.

But instead of being in the caravan, Jesus was at the temple, asking and answering questions with the "doctors of theology" -- the leaders of the Jewish faith. And they were "amazed" and "astounded". They had never seen such depth from anyone, much less a twelve-year-old!

After three days (one day of travel, one day to return, and one day to look for Jesus), Mary and Joseph found Jesus. Mary had a rebuke for Him. "Why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been anxiously looking for You!" Jesus' response (incidentally, the first recorded words of Jesus): "Why is it that you were looking for Me? Did you not know that I had to be in My Father's house?" {or "about My Father's business?"} What Jesus is saying is, "Where did you think I was? At the ball field, or the swimming pool? I'm right where I am supposed to be."

We see from this that, even at this young age, Jesus knew that He was the Son of God, and He knew His mission. He knew He had to be about His ministry of reconciliation. He knew He was the Messiah; the suffering Savior.

Yet somehow His parents did not, at this time understand Him (v.50). Jesus knew the frustration of being misunderstood! This was part of His humiliation.

We should remember to be like Mary and take note of teachings from God, even if we do not understand them at first. Later, perhaps, it will become clear to us what these things mean.

Finally, this section concludes with the amazing statement that Jesus increased in wisdom and "grew in favor with God and men." For us, we tend to one of two extremes: either we are too soft and willing to go along with the world, growing in favor with men but being negligent in our duty as witnesses, or we bring the Word to the world, yet we are so harsh and abrasive that we unnecessarily offend. Jesus did neither, pleasing God and living at harmony with his fellow man. We should strive so that the only offence we give to mankind is the offense of the Cross, the Gospel itself.

Luke Part 9: Simeon and Anna

Text: Luke 2:22-39

This section of Luke describes how Jesus was presented at the temple, and the responses of Simeon and Anna to His birth.

This was a spiritually dark time in Israel. Israel was under the rule of the Pharisees, with their insistence on legalism and works-righteousness. They were also under the Sadducees, who denied the resurrection. Yet there was still a loyal remnant who clung to a hope of redemption through faith in a Redeemer. This remnant is represented here by Simeon and Anna.

We know Simeon was a faithful follower of God. Luke mentions in v.25 that he was "righteous and devout" and that "the Holy Spirit was upon him." Most importantly, He was waiting for the Redeemer, the "Consolation of Israel". Verses 29-32 contain his praise to God upon seeing Jesus, the promised Redeemer.

As in each of the songs of praise recorded about Jesus's birth, the message contains the theme than the beginning is as good as the end. Jesus was still just a baby, yet Simeon praises God that he has "seen Your salvation". This salvation was going to be a "light of revelation to the Gentiles." Think of the difference the gospel light has made in the world; compare the liberty and blessings enjoyed in lands where the gospel has flourished and the bondage and oppression in lands where it has not been received and lived upon!

Notice that Jesus life and death would be "the glory of Israel". There is not a future plan for national Israel. Jesus is the glory of Israel! The redemption of ethnic Israel will occur as Jews repent and believe in Him.

In verse 33, we see that Joseph and Mary marveled. It's interesting because they had already seen so many amazing prophecies regarding Jesus. Yet they still marveled and were amazed. Have we grown numb to the things of God, or do they still cause us to marvel and be amazed?

Finally Simeon prophesied to Mary that, according to God's plan, Jesus would bring about the rise and fall of many in Israel. He would reveal people's hearts and would be a "sign" -- something to give direction and show the way -- to be opposed. This is the "doctrine of twos" -- there is no neutral ground with Jesus. Either He will make you to rise or you will be cast down. You can follow the sign, or oppose it. You must either obey Him or reject Him.

Anna, like Simeon, was another member of the faithful remnant. We know very little about her, except that she was an older widow, a prophetess, and that she served constantly in the temple. Like the shepherds, she was, as a female, from a less-regarded group and, like them, she was entrusted with the gospel, which she shared to her fellow believers.

Anna and Simeon are a witness to us today. Let us be led by the Spirit to follow their example in these ways:

• To marvel and stand amazed at God's goodness
• To embrace Jesus
• To know His presence
• To follow the Spirit and be led by Him
• To rejoice
• and to tell others as we go

Luke Part 8: The Birth of Jesus

Text: Luke 2:1-20

This passage is probably one of the most familiar in all of Scripture. We must be careful not to allow ourselves to be made complacent by familiarity, because it is a truly remarkable and amazing passage.

In the first several verses, the facts surrounding the census are laid out. In Luke's typical systematic style, he establishes the historical setting: during the reign of Caesar Augustus, the first census taken during when Quirinius was governor in Syria. Thus, we see God working, moving in this world through the hands of sinful men. Caesar thought he was ordering the census of his own initiative, but in actuality he was performing God's bidding, ensuring that the prophecy of Micah 5:2 would be fulfilled and that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem. Note also that Joseph and Mary obeyed the civil authorities even though it was a great difficulty for them.

Verses 6 and 7 describe the birth of Jesus. What is truly remarkable about His birth is that He was born to such extreme poverty. Although the rulers of the world live in great luxury in order to please themselves, Jesus came in great poverty to serve others.

Next we read of how the message came to the shepherds. Shepherds were rough and tough, living out in the fields defending the flock. Yet when the angel appeared before them, they were "terribly frightened". Our conception of the appearance of angels, if accurate, should picture angels as fearful beings -- a single angel could make a group of tough men tremble.

Shepherds were also on the bottom rung of society. Yet God chose to send the good news of Christ's birth to them, again confirming the pattern of using the weak and foolish things of this world to confound the strong and wise in this world. Jesus did not exclude classes. If he had been born in a king's palace, these shepherds would have been denied access. But he was born in a lowly stable, where they were free to come and worship.

The message from the angels indicated that Jesus was "a Savior, who is Christ the Lord". Three names of Jesus, indicating:

1. He was the Savior, the One to save God's people from their sins.
2. He was Christ, meaning the Messiah, the Anointed One, the One God had designated.
3. He was "the Lord", the Greek title for "God". Jesus was God in the flesh.

After the shepherds found Jesus and worshiped Him, they returned to their flocks. But on their way, they became the first Christian missionaries, telling whomever they met about what God had shown them. The word from God had changed them: they went on their way rejoicing!

From this passage, we see that from the beginning, Jesus was outside the norm, outside the realm of the religious elites. The angels went to nobodies, not to people in positions of prestige. God was entrusting a revelation to men who, in the world's view, were totally unqualified. God trusted them to keep and spread the gospel He had given to them.

Will we, like the shepherds come "in a hurry" to Jesus? Will disregard the inadequacy of the messenger, taking the good news with rejoicing and spreading it to all we come in contact with in our daily living?

Luke Part 7: Zacharias' Prophecy, Continued

Text: Luke 2:76-80

This post discusses the second half -- the second sentence, actually -- of Zacharias' praise after his son was born and he became able to speak again. In the first sentence of his praise, Zacharias discussed the coming Redeemer and the deliverance He would bring. In the second sentence, he speaks more specifically about his son, John. He describes John's role as a forerunner and lays out some of the great things God would do through him.

First, in verse 76, John was to be a "prophet of the Most High". What was his mission? What was he going to do? He was to "go before" the Lord and "prepare His ways".

How was he going to "prepare His ways"? This is described for us in verse 77: He was to tell God's people about his plan of salvation. This plan of salvation was radically different from what the Jews of that time may have been expecting. It was not deliverance from Rome, or any thing else physical. It was a spiritual deliverance. Jesus was coming to free His people from their sins. That would be the role of the Messiah. John's mission was to spread that good news.

Verse 78 describes more completely what the salvation will be like. This forgiveness will not be by works; it will not be something earned. Rather, God will grant forgiveness because of his "tender mercy". The adjective "tender" tells us something about God -- He shows Himself to be kind and gentle towards His children. The "Sunrise from on high", the Sun of Righteousness, will come to us -- not coming to us to crush and overwhelm us, but to "visit us", to commune with us.

He is coming (v. 79) to bring light to those who sit in darkness and guide our feet on the path of peace. This is a comparison to two groups of people. There are those, on the one hand, who have no knowledge of Christ. They are in darkness, willful ignorance of Him. They "sit" in this darkness, indicating that they have accepted this condition. To some of these, Christ will shine his light and convert them into those who are on "the way of peace". Note that the Christian life is portrayed as a "way". The Christian life is elsewhere portrayed as a "walk". It is a progression, a growing into greater and greater knowledge and light. (See Prov. 4:18)

We are called to be like John the Baptist. What he was about is what we should be about: letting our light shine in all that we say or do to point others to Christ.

Finally, a quick note on verse 80: Notice that John the Baptist did a unique thing. Normally, a son of a priest would be expected to follow his father into the ministry, first serving him, then training and finally becoming a priest himself. But instead, John went out to the desert. He did not grow up within and was not trained by the religious power structure of the time. He was taught by God out in the desert. God was instituting a new thing -- the Old Covenant system was passing away.