What happens to a nation under foreign oppression?  it yearns for a Saviour, a Messiah. Israel under Rome longed for this Promised Messiah.  A man appears on the scene whose life affects many people. By his character and influence,  could he be the Messiah? He is not. He is a witness.  He is John the Baptizer.

 

READING LUKE 3:1-20

 

REFLECTION

1. Verse 3 spells out John’s role.  What was it?  What does the phrase, “preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins” mean?

2. Luke quotes the Prophet Isaiah in verses 4 - 6. How is John a herald for the Lord? What did it mean for John to make crooked places straight and the rough ones smooth? What does this have to do with repentance?

3. In verses 7 -9,  John called those who came to him, a “brood of vipers”.  What was the reason? If John the Baptist were by your side, would he have called you a “viper”, bearing in mind what he said about “producing FRUITS OF REPENTENCE” (v10 -14)?

4. Reading verses 15-17, what were the people thinking, & why? What can you learn about John from his response?

5. What is the difference between the two Baptisms John mentions here (v15-17)? How does John describe this Messiah?  What does the description mean to you, as a sinner saved by His grace?

 

CONTEMPLATION

 

“Making the crooked straight and rough places smooth”. Are there be some “crooked” or “rough” places in your life you need straightening? Journal your thoughts - as a believer in Jesus Christ, what does repentance mean to me?