The Word This Week
Luke 3:1…
We now move 18 years into the future. In the manner of ancient biographical writings, Luke records nothing of Jesus’ life between the ages of twelve and thirty. Of John the Baptist, Luke is silent about his life since the setting of his circumcision and naming by Zacharias, his father – who has evidently passed away by now since he ands his wife Elizabeth were elderly at the time of his birth. It is also safe to assume Joseph, Jesus’ stepfather has also passed, as only Jesus’ mother Mary is mentioned from this point on in Jesus’ life and ministry.
Luke establishes the time as a good and reliable historian, accurately citing the Roman chain of command in those days – around 29 A.D., as well as the spiritual leaders whom the Romans had appointed to rule over the Jews. (Chief priests Annas and Caiaphas. Annas was actually ‘chief priest emeritus’ in those days. Caiaphas, his son-in-law actually held the title, and the day-to-day running of the operation, but Annas held the respect of the people in the same way our former presidents are still referred to as ‘Mr. President.’)
John seemingly explodes on the scene exactly as had been prophesied by Isaiah 750 years previously he would. He also fulfilled the prophetic words of his father Zacharias, from the days of his birth.
John was an incredibly dynamic man, who – employing the power of the Holy Spirit since before his birth – suddenly appeared before the people commanding them of their need to repent in a winsome way which made them want to. His ministry was in the desert region of the Jordan River, not the temple at Jerusalem or in synagogues. He was in the out of doors, and his wild appearance belied the gentleness and lovingkindness of his message.
The location of his ministry meant most people would have to travel great distances to be confronted as they were, which only lends credence to the fact his words were perceived as an opportunity for people who sensed something amiss in their lives to finally and truly get right before God. Prior to this there was nothing taking place in their ‘religious’ lives which was accomplishing this. John was telling them what they already sensed – simply being born Jewish could not make them right with God.
Genuine repentance was not only good and necessary – it was absolutely required, even for Jews - and especially for Jews. Even Roman soldiers came and confessed their need and desire to be right with this ‘Jewish’ God. That alone tells us how incredible John’s ministry was.
Simply put, John was a master road-repairer, preparing the hearts of the people for Jesus Christ to come into their hearts for salvation. Here we learn genuine repentance is a first and necessary step in that process.
Pastor Bill
We now move 18 years into the future. In the manner of ancient biographical writings, Luke records nothing of Jesus’ life between the ages of twelve and thirty. Of John the Baptist, Luke is silent about his life since the setting of his circumcision and naming by Zacharias, his father – who has evidently passed away by now since he ands his wife Elizabeth were elderly at the time of his birth. It is also safe to assume Joseph, Jesus’ stepfather has also passed, as only Jesus’ mother Mary is mentioned from this point on in Jesus’ life and ministry.
Luke establishes the time as a good and reliable historian, accurately citing the Roman chain of command in those days – around 29 A.D., as well as the spiritual leaders whom the Romans had appointed to rule over the Jews. (Chief priests Annas and Caiaphas. Annas was actually ‘chief priest emeritus’ in those days. Caiaphas, his son-in-law actually held the title, and the day-to-day running of the operation, but Annas held the respect of the people in the same way our former presidents are still referred to as ‘Mr. President.’)
John seemingly explodes on the scene exactly as had been prophesied by Isaiah 750 years previously he would. He also fulfilled the prophetic words of his father Zacharias, from the days of his birth.
John was an incredibly dynamic man, who – employing the power of the Holy Spirit since before his birth – suddenly appeared before the people commanding them of their need to repent in a winsome way which made them want to. His ministry was in the desert region of the Jordan River, not the temple at Jerusalem or in synagogues. He was in the out of doors, and his wild appearance belied the gentleness and lovingkindness of his message.
The location of his ministry meant most people would have to travel great distances to be confronted as they were, which only lends credence to the fact his words were perceived as an opportunity for people who sensed something amiss in their lives to finally and truly get right before God. Prior to this there was nothing taking place in their ‘religious’ lives which was accomplishing this. John was telling them what they already sensed – simply being born Jewish could not make them right with God.
Genuine repentance was not only good and necessary – it was absolutely required, even for Jews - and especially for Jews. Even Roman soldiers came and confessed their need and desire to be right with this ‘Jewish’ God. That alone tells us how incredible John’s ministry was.
Simply put, John was a master road-repairer, preparing the hearts of the people for Jesus Christ to come into their hearts for salvation. Here we learn genuine repentance is a first and necessary step in that process.
Pastor Bill