Luke Chapter 3: Advent

Luke 3 introduces to John the Baptist and Jesus as adults. It begins with Luke sharing a detail about when this event occurred so it could be tracked historically. Luke also shares that John was offering a baptism which would have appeared to be different from the practice which was common at the time. This is when Jesus bursts on the scene and everything changes. Luke record John referring to Old Testament prophecy to help his readers make the connection from what was promised in the past into what was happening in their present. Chapter 3 concludes with a genealogy of Jesus for a very specific reason.

As you read, pay special attention to the role of prophecy from past to present. Also take note of the differences in John’s and Jesus’ approach.  

You can read today’s chapter by clicking here.

Reflection Questions:

1. What is radical about John’s style? What do you think he meant when he referenced the root and the fruit?
2. Was John teaching about personal change, social change, both, or neither?
3. Why do you think people were drawn to John’s preaching?
4. Why do you think John was being confused with the Christ?
5. What is the significance of Jesus being baptized at the same time as “all the people?”
6. The Trinity (God in three persons) appears right after Jesus’ baptism. Why?
7. Luke’s genealogy begins with a rather curious comment about Joseph (see verse 23). Why do you think this is? Whis this important?
8. Read through Luke’s genealogy. How far back does it go? What is significant about the way it concludes? What are we to determine about Jesus as a result of this genealogy?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for your presence with me. I know it takes different approaches to reach different people, so I thank you for the effort you take to help me know you. By the power of your Spirit, I pray that I am able to show people who you are as you work on my inner world that I might be help for the rest of the world as well. I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.