Luke 3

📖 Luke 3:1–2 – Historical and Spiritual Setting

1 – Luke carefully anchors the events in history, mentioning rulers:

• Tiberius Caesar – Roman emperor (reigned AD 14–37)

• Pontius Pilate – governor of Judea

• Herod – tetrarch of Galilee (Herod Antipas)

• Philip – tetrarch of Iturea and Trachonitis

• Lysanias – tetrarch of Abilene

2 – During the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God comes to John, son of Zechariah, in the wilderness.

🔍 Luke emphasizes the historical and religious context to show this is real history and that John’s ministry is God-ordained.

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📖 Luke 3:3–6 – John’s Ministry Begins

3 – John preaches a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, preparing people for the Messiah.

4–6 – Fulfills Isaiah 40:3–5:

• A voice crying in the wilderness

• Making straight paths for the Lord

• All flesh will see God's salvation

🔍 John’s role is prophetic: preparing hearts through repentance so they can receive Christ.

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📖 Luke 3:7–9 – A Call to True Repentance

7 – John challenges the crowds (even religious people):

“You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath?”

8 – Don’t rely on your ancestry (Abraham); bear fruits in keeping with repentance.

9 – The axe is already at the root – God is ready to judge those who don’t bear good fruit.

🔍 Repentance is more than ritual—it must produce a changed life.

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📖 Luke 3:10–14 – Practical Examples of Repentance

10 – The crowd asks, “What should we do?”

11 – John replies: Share with those in need (basic compassion).

12–13 – Tax collectors: don’t take more than you’re authorized.

14 – Soldiers: don’t extort, accuse falsely, or be greedy—be content.

🔍 John gives simple, concrete examples of repentance lived out in daily life.

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📖 Luke 3:15–17 – John Points to Jesus

15 – People wonder if John is the Messiah.

16 – John says: “I baptize with water, but One is coming who is mightier… He will baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire.”

17 – Jesus will bring judgment: He will gather the wheat (saved) and burn the chaff (unrepentant).

🔍 John knows his role: to prepare the way, not to take the spotlight.

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📖 Luke 3:18–20 – John’s Boldness and Imprisonment

18 – John preached many other exhortations, encouraging people.

19–20 – John rebukes Herod Antipas for his sin (marrying his brother’s wife). Herod adds to his guilt by imprisoning John.

🔍 True prophets speak truth to power, even at great personal cost.

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📖 Luke 3:21–22 – Jesus is Baptized

21 – Jesus, along with the people, is baptized—He identifies with sinners, though He Himself is sinless.

22 – As He prays, heaven opens:

• The Holy Spirit descends like a dove.

• A voice from heaven says, “You are My beloved Son; with You I am well pleased.”

🔍 This is a Trinitarian moment: Father, Son, and Spirit—all present at the start of Jesus’ public ministry.

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📖 Luke 3:23–38 – Genealogy of Jesus

23 – Jesus begins His ministry at about 30 years old, the traditional age of maturity in Jewish culture. Luke traces Jesus’ lineage through Mary (most likely) and Nathan, not Solomon (as in Matthew).

24–38 – Luke traces the genealogy:

• Goes backward, from Jesus to Adam

• Emphasizes Jesus as the Son of God and the Savior of all humanity, not just Jews

• Connects Him to David (Messianic king), Abraham (covenant), and ultimately to Adam (universal scope)

🔍 Luke’s genealogy shows Jesus as the Son of God and second Adam, representing all humanity (see Romans 5:12–19).

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🧭 Major Themes in Luke 3

1. Repentance is essential – real change in lifestyle, not just words.

2. Jesus is greater than John – He brings the Spirit and judgment.

3. God affirms Jesus as His beloved Son.

4. Jesus identifies with us through baptism and genealogy.

5. John’s courage shows what it means to speak truth no matter the cost.