Dec. 04, 2022

Luke 3:1-20

The Mission of Christmas: Mistaken Identity

1. The Word of God Came to John (vs. 1-6)

A. A Time in History (vs. 1, 2a)

Luke 2:1-4

B. John’s Ministry (vs. 2b, 3)

Isaiah 38:4

Jeremiah 1:1-2

Hosea 1:1

Jonah 1:1

C. Isaiah’s Prophecy is fulfilled (vs. 4-6)

Isaiah 40:3-5

2. John’s Message (vs. 7-14)

A. Judgment (Whose kids do you think that you are?) (vs. 7-9)

Genesis 18:14

Isaiah 51:1-2

Matthew 3:9

Romans 11:17-24

B. What should we do? (vs. 10, 11)

C. Tax collectors (vs. 12, 13)

D. Soldiers (v. 14)

3. Is John the Messiah? (vs. 15-20)

A. Not the Christ but Centered on the Christ

B. Humility (v. 16a)

C. Holy Spirit and Fire Baptism (v. 16b)

D. Harvest and Judgment (v. 17)

E. Good News! (v. 18)

F. A prophet’s end (vs. 19, 20)

Romans 10:9-10, 13

Reflection:

How is God dealing with you as you come to Him this morning? We all live in a time that challenges our belief in Jesus Himself and we may try to point to others further out that need God’s bulldozer work. But how about you?

Follow Up in the Word through the Week…

Monday: Read: Luke 2:1-4 and Luke 3:1,2

Why is it so important that Luke locates the events of Jesus and John’s life in real time?

Tuesday: Read: Isaiah 38:4, Jeremiah 1:1-2, Hosea 1:1, Jonah 1:1, and Luke 3:2,3

What is the origin of John’s ministry and the other prophets in these passages? What difference does that make and what do you think is the point of Luke including that detail?

Wednesday: Read: Isaiah 40:3-5

By Luke quoting this passage of Scripture, what is the roll of John’s ministry in Luke 3?

Thursday: Read: Genesis 18:14, Isaiah 51:1-2, and Luke 3:7-9

How difficult was it for Abraham and Sarah to have children? Who made it possible and what about their salvation identity did they leave to Abraham?

Friday: Read: Romans 11:17-24

The olive tree shows the connection the Jewish people have had to God Himself and the new found branches from the gentiles. What is the caution that Paul emphasizes in these verses?

Saturday: Read: Luke 3:15-16

What is John’s opinion of himself in comparison to Jesus who was coming? How can this attitude help you in your life with God this week?