Category: Uncategorized

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.

Luke 3:5 “Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low; and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways shall be made smooth;”

   This is poetic imagery in the prophecy concerning John. But, the point is that the effect of his ministry was to be to bring all to a place of readiness for the arrival of the Lord. Just as we must believe that Jesus has come, those in John’s day needed to believe He had arrived.

Heavenly Father, give us grace as we seek to spread Your truth in this world. There are people dying without hope, and we have the answer. We will proclaim Your mercy and grace for all our lives! Thank You for using us in the ministry. In the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise You, Amen.

Luke 3:4 “As it is written in the book of the words of Esaias the prophet, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.”

   John was a very significant figure, and as such his importance must not be missed. Many people in our day and age disregard the entirety of Scripture as they consider the claims of Christ. This is a mistake of course. Prophecy gives very solid evidence to us of the truth of Christ. John’s ministry as the one who prepares of the way is a big part of that.

Heavenly Father, thank You for the clarity of Your Word. We can never complain that You have not shared the truth with Your world. You are so merciful! We will praise You forever for Your plans and ways. In the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise You, Amen.

Luke 3:3 ” And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins;”

   What was this baptism? What did it do for the participants? John’s ministry was to the Jews. He was sent to tell them the Messiah had arrived. His baptism was a preemptive preparation for that reality. It was an opportunity for the Jewish people to open their hearts to Christ. His baptism was a commitment to repentance of sins by people who believed in Jehovah God.

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gospel! Nothing is so important as it is in our lives. Today our nation will observe a great wonder of Your creation. But yet many still miss the greatest wonder, salvation in Christ. May we be Your witnesses to a lost world! In the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise You, Amen.

Luke 3:2 “while Annas and Caiaphas were high priests, the word of God came to John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness.”

   Annas and Caiaphas were both high priest at the time. Knowing this helps avoid some confusion in the gospels as each is referred to individually on occasion. John was the first prophet that the Jews had in many hundreds of years. The high priests were among those who did not accept his message.

Heavenly Father, help us always to be sensitive to Your truth. There is no excuse, You have given us all we need. You are so good to us! We will praise You forever for giving us Christ. In the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise You, Amen.