Pastor Nam Park.
3 Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, and Herod was tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip was tetrarch of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias was tetrarch of Abilene, 2 in the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John, the son of Zacharias, in the wilderness. 3 And he came into all the district around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins; 4 as it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet,
“The voice of one crying in the wilderness,
‘Make ready the way of the Lord,
Make His paths straight.
5 ‘Every ravine will be filled,
And every mountain and hill will be brought low;
The crooked will become straight,
And the rough roads smooth;
6 And all flesh will see the salvation of God.’”
‘Make ready the way of the Lord,
Make His paths straight.
5 ‘Every ravine will be filled,
And every mountain and hill will be brought low;
The crooked will become straight,
And the rough roads smooth;
6 And all flesh will see the salvation of God.’”
7 So he began saying to the crowds who were going out to be baptized by him, “You brood of vipers, who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?
Let's appreciate the ministry of John the Baptist. Looking to him as a man consumed with the glory and ministry of glorifying his Savior. His life was consecrated to the greatness of his God. Sacrificing a normal life in exchange for a difficult life that was God-honoring. And help us to walk in a manner worthy of the gospel.
Instruction to the Wealthy -> Share.
Instruction to Tax Collectors -> Earn an honest wage.
He didn't instruct them to live like him. He chose that life because he loved the Lord. We must find our own ways to live out our love for the Lord.
John wasn't a "reed swayed" and spoke the truth to Herod about his wife.
Luke 7 24 When the messengers of John had left, He began to speak to the crowds about John, “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? 25 But what did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing? Those who are splendidly clothed and live in luxury are found in royal palaces!26 But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I say to you, and one who is more than a prophet.27 This is the one about whom it is written,
‘Behold, I send My messenger ahead of You,
Who will prepare Your way before You.’
Who will prepare Your way before You.’
28 I say to you, among those born of women there is no one greater than John; yet he who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.”
In the the time of political chaos in Luke 3:1-2, when the leaders did not consider the Lord as their authority, God sends John the Baptist.
John preached a "Baptism of Repentance": the requirement for this baptism was repentance (uncleanness). Pointing forward to Christ.
The Jews saw this baptism as offensive because it declared even them as being unclean.
Repentance: turning from ourselves towards God. This is part of Luke's over-arching theme.
Repentance is necessary b/c we're all sinners. Yet, while Romans 10:13 says the following, John 6:44 says that it's God who saves. So, which is it? Answer: YES!
Romans 10:13 for “Whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
John 6:44 No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up on the last day.
Philippians 2:12 So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling;
"Christian Baptism": Points backward, to the Cross. We are united and identify with Christ.
Why was such a preparation necessary (John the Baptist)?
A: God's people had forgotten the wonder of being saved. They were culturally Jewish... And assumed salvation. They had forgotten that they were still sinners, needing salvation.
“The voice of one crying in the wilderness,
‘Make ready the way of the Lord,
Make His paths straight.
5 ‘Every ravine will be filled,
And every mountain and hill will be brought low;
The crooked will become straight,
And the rough roads smooth;
6 And all flesh will see the salvation of God.’”
Many that followed John realized that Jesus was the lamb. They became followers of Jesus. He was a great bridge from the old covenant to the new covenant. John connected it all for them... if they were willing to repent. Turn to the Lord and repent.
