Author: Bill Hall

Luke 3:15 “Now as the people were in expectation, and all reasoned in their hearts about John, whether he was the Christ or not,”

   The Jews live still in expectation today. However, the atmosphere in the land of Israel at this time had a heightened awareness of need in it. John’s ministry itself had brought it to the forefront. But also, the occupation by the Romans could only serve to make them look for Messiah with anxious hope. They were in spite of this ready to judge for themselves if one might be the Christ or not. It was this that caused many of them to miss the Lord Jesus, not in their judgment seeing Him for Who He is.

Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Christ though He was not accepted by all. You would have been right to judge the world because all did not believe, and yet You have always temporarily spared the whole because of the few that do respond. Thank You for Your great and unceasing mercy! You are holy and just in all things. In the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise You, Amen.

Luke 3:14 “Likewise the soldiers asked him, saying, “And what shall we do?” So he said to them, “Do not intimidate anyone or accuse falsely, and be content with your wages.”

   It was much easier of a life for a soldier if they threw their weight around. They could take advantage of many persons and situations to make their service easier. And, service is the operative word here. These were likely Jewish individuals in the service of the temple guard or directly employed by the Romans in some way. They performed a valuable service. But, as a service-type career, it was not always a highly paid occupation. John was encouraging them to be happy with what they were paid, keeping in mind the great service they were able to perform. This is in contrast to being only soldiers of fortune who care little for anything or anyone outside of money.

Heavenly Father, help us not to be students of discontentment. It is such an unflattering vice! Give us hearts full of thankfulness for your plenteous blessings. We can always trust that you know our needs. We will seek our best in Your will, not our contrived means. Thank You! In the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise You, Amen.

Luke 3:13 “And he said unto them, Exact no more than that which is appointed you.”

   As a result they would have to be content with the wages they received of the Romans for their work. This would represent quite a sacrifice for many of them as they profited quite a bit by increasing their take. However, this would cause them to have to once again trust he Lord for their compensation, rather than working it out themselves.

Heavenly Father, we know we can trust Your provision! When we need something You supply it in the way You deem best. We will trust You for Your means. That may require sacrifice, but it surely requires trust. Thank You for revealing Your care for us to us in Your Word! In the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise You, Amen.

Luke 3:12 “Then came also publicans to be baptized, and said unto him, Master, what shall we do?”

   Here we see that a special class of people come to John. These were those among the Jews who were in the service of the Roman Empire. These in particular were the tax collectors. They would collect the customs, duties, taxes, and so forth of the Romans from the people of Israel. They were considered especially sinful by many of the Jews due to their cooperation with the Romans, and because of their tendency to over-tax so that they might supplement their income.

Heavenly Father, You have laid righteousness before us. By Christ we may live holy lives. It is all to Your praise. You are worthy! You alone are God and You alone have saved us. This life is not about us, but is all about You and Your glory. In the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise You, Amen.

Luke 3:11 “He answereth and saith unto them, He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath meat, let him do likewise.”

   We see a theme of taking care of those in need throughout Scripture. This was not a new teaching to the Jews. But, they had lost sight of it. Caring for others had fallen to the side to make room for other parts of the law more conducive to their present religious choices. The same danger exists for us today. We should remember the instructions we find in the book of James and be sure to treat well those who are less blessed with material things.

Heavenly Father, thank You for giving so much to us though we were so poor. In spiritual things we were beyond poor, we were dead. And yet You sent the Lord Jesus to make the way for us to be saved. We will praise You forever for Your care of Your creation. You are so good! In the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise You, Amen.

Luke 3:10 “And the people asked him, saying, What shall we do then?”

   Why would John answer them with rules? Why would he give them more good works to do? Why would he seem to encourage the idea of salvation through personal goodness? Wouldn’t Jesus teach against works? No, Jesus helped us to understand that though we should indeed do good works, we need something far more to become righteous enough for heaven. The gospel of grace is not devoid of good works, it is devoid of self-righteousness. We must find our righteousness in Christ, and Him alone.

Heavenly Father, we will sing praise to You for all of forever! Your wisdom is magnificent! You understand our hearts, and You know that we need to be doing good at all times. Thank You for sending Your Son that our good might be something more than filthy in Your sight. Thank You for making us righteous! In the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise You, Amen.

Luke 3:9 “And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.”

   This is consistent with the teaching we see by Christ and the apostles. Though the age of grace was being ushered in, that does not change the fact that God will judge. The gospel of grace is here to make it possible for sinful humanity to escape His wrath. This is by faith in the sacrifice of Christ. But, it doesn’t change the fact that this world will ultimately be purged of unrighteousness.

Heavenly Father, we pray for the advancement of the kingdom of Christ. Use us as your ministers to reach this hurting world. We want to share the truth that there is indeed a better way. Thank You for involving us in Your plan! In the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise You, Amen.

Luke 3:8 “Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, That God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.”

   For every religious group there is one very central truth that is absolutely vital. The means of salvation. How is salvation established? This is the question that reveals the most about that religion. And, it is the question that automatically comes to the forefront when that religion is challenged.
   In the case of the Jews, the lineage from Abraham was their source of hope. They felt that simply because they could substantiate their heritage, and because they lived by the traditions, their souls were safe. They depended upon this completely for their security.
   John, however, was trying to get them to re-examine their beliefs. Their heritage would not save them. They needed righteousness. Repentance and righteousness alone would secure their future. and, he would introduce them to Jesus, who could make saving righteousness possible in their lives.

Heavenly Father, give us a love for people. The truth is here for all of us. It is not hard, but it is hard for many to accept. We will praise You for each soul that is converted by the blood of Christ. Thank You for helping us to make that choice for Him. In the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise You, Amen.

Luke 3:7 “Then he said to the multitudes that came out to be baptized by him, “Brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?”

   John’s target here was the Jewish religious elite who had come for baptism only as a show. John’s message had become very popular, and they wanted to be a part of anything popular. It was this hypocrisy that John sought to remedy.

Heavenly Father, thank you for the truth. You don’t fail to give us the truth even though we may not like it. That is mercy! Give us the grace to share Your truth with others that they may know You in all Your glory. In the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise You, Amen.

Luke 3:6 “And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.”

   Jesus is that salvation.The Lord will not stop until all this world has heard the gospel. His mercy is great. He gives ample time for repentance. But not forever. We can thank Him for making His truth available to us.

Heavenly Father, what can we say? Can we do less than to praise You all of our days? You have given Your salvation to mankind, and we will thank You for it forever. Only by Christ may we know You. And You have made the truth about Him available even to us as sinners. In the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise You, Amen.