Encounter the powerful ministry of John the Baptist, who preaches a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy. Multitudes come to him, and John challenges them to live ethically, share with the needy, and act justly. Tax collectors and soldiers ask for guidance, and John instructs them on fair conduct. He foretells the coming of one mightier than himself, who will baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire, emphasizing the impending judgment. John also boldly rebukes Herod for his unlawful marriage, leading to his imprisonment. This passage prepares the way for Jesus’ ministry by calling for genuine repentance and highlighting the transformative power of the Messiah.
The Rev. Dr. John Brunner, pastor emeritus, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Luke 3:1-20.
The Gospel of Luke, filled with rich narratives and detailed accounts, offers an inspired and historical perspective on the life and teachings of Jesus. Emphasizing Jesus’ concern for the poor, outcasts, and social justice, this Gospel narrates parables and miracles that underscore the theme of God’s salvation for all people. Luke’s account is unique in its inclusion of the birth of John the Baptist, the parable of the Good Samaritan, and the story of the Prodigal Son, culminating in a vivid portrayal of Jesus’ death and resurrection, affirming the universal offer of redemption. This Gospel serves as an invitation to understand the depth of God’s love and the breadth of His grace extended to humanity through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.
Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God’s Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations.
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Luke 3:1-20
John the Baptist Prepares the Way
3In the fifteenth year of the reign ofTiberius Caesar,Pontius Pilatebeing governor of Judea, andHerod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene,2duringthe high priesthood of Annas andCaiaphas,the word of God came toJohn the son of Zechariah inthe wilderness.3And he went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiminga baptism of repentancefor the forgiveness of sins.4As it is written inthe book of the words of Isaiah the prophet,
“The voice of one crying in the wilderness:
‘Prepare the way of the Lord,[a]
make his paths straight.
5Every 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,
6and all flesh shall seethe salvation of God.’”
7He said therefore to the crowds that came out to be baptized by him,“You brood ofvipers! Who warned you to flee fromthe wrath to come?8Bear fruitsin keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves,‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you, God is able fromthese stones to raise up children for Abraham.9Even 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.”
10And the crowds asked him,“What then shall we do?”11And he answered them,“Whoever has two tunics[b]is to share with him who has none, and whoever has food is to do likewise.”12Tax collectors also came to be baptized and said to him, “Teacher,what shall we do?”13And he said to them,“Collect no more than you are authorized to do.”14Soldiers 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 yourwages.”
15As the people were in expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John,whether he might bethe Christ,16John answered them all, saying, “I baptize you with water, buthe who is mightier than I is coming,the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize youwith the Holy Spirit andfire.17Hiswinnowing fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing floor and togather the wheat into his barn,but the chaff he will burn withunquenchable fire.”
18Sowith many other exhortations he preached good news to the people.19ButHerod the tetrarch, who had been reproved by him for Herodias, his brother’s wife, and for all the evil things that Herod had done,20added this to them all, thathe locked up John in prison.
Footnotes
English Standard Version (ESV)The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright ©2001 byCrossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. esv.org
