John's Message

N.T.#488 "John's Message"

Feb. 17, 2025 

Luke 3 

LET IT GLOW

I'm not sure why Luke threw in the political powers that be during this time, but it can be confusing. I will try to make it simple for us who are not historians. (It helps me understand about the 6 trials of Jesus that we studied about in Matthew and Mark.) It was a hard time in which to live for God's people.

John the Baptist began his ministry during a time of political fracturing in Israel. While priests and procurators vied for power, the people desperately longed for a leader. (Swindoll)

 The Roman Empire ruled the land of what is/was Israel. The Emperors were:

• Herod the Great (died AD 4);
• Augustus took over, eventually co-reigned with Tiberius until Augustus died in AD 14;
• Augustus divided the king's territory between his 3 sons as governors:
• Archelaus (over Judea, Samaria, Idumea);
• Antipas (over Galilee and Perea);
• Philip (over the rest of the area, including Ituraea).
• Pontius Pilate became the fifth governor of Judea in AD 26. Meanwhile, Herod Antipas continued to rule Galilee. (Resources:Swindoll's Living Insights on Luke, Liberty Bible Commentary)

The Jewish Temple had been destroyed in 70 AD. The Temple renovation began by Herod in 20 or 19 BC and continued on for 46 years.

Now that that is clear as mud, let's see what John the Baptist was up to. During his time, the two high priests were greedy Annas and Caiaphas. (verse 2)

The the Word of God came to John in the wilderness. This was his area of ministry. And I mean it is wilderness, except along the Jordan River and the Dead Sea where olive trees flourish. The region is like clay rocks on hills without grass. Not a luxurious place to live or visit. Yet that is where God had John and we don't hear him complaining.

Are we complainers or grateful folks? Are we satisfied with the place God has us ministering? Are we being faithful?

LET IT GROW 

What was John's message in a nutshell? He preached the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. (verse 3) 

We are to admit we are sinners. All have sinned and come shore of the glory of God, meeting His standards for living. Believe Jesus is God's Son and died on the cross in our place. Confess this and ask Jesus to forgive our sins. It is as simple as ABC. (We teach it in Vacation Bible School.)

Have you, my friend?

LET IT GO

We let go of the world and follow Jesus because He loves us and gave His life for us.

We want what Jesus wants for us to do.

Love God and Jesus, love others as our self.