In Luke 3:1-38, John the Baptist appears as a forerunner to the Messiah. John is the Elijah-like prophet foretold, crying out in the wilderness for people to prepare for the Lord. Jesus comes to be baptized and we know He is the one for whom we all have been preparing.
SERMON OUTLINE
“The word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness. He went into all the country around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.” (Luke 3:2-3)
John’s Call to Prepare (Luke 3:1-6)
Prepare through ___________________________ (Luke 3:7-9)
Prepare ___________________________ of Repentance (Luke 3:10-14)
Prepare for ___________________________ (Luke 3:15-20)
Prepare for ___________________________ (Luke 3:21-38)
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- What are some of your traditions for preparing for Christmas? What special preparations are you making this year?
- This week marks the beginning of our next series with the Gospel of Luke, “Appearing.” This weekend we look at Luke 3, a chapter that focuses on the life and ministry of John the Baptist and the transition to Jesus. Begin your study by asking God to speak to you from His Word, and then read Luke 3:1-38 aloud.
- With chapter 3, Luke’s telling of Jesus’ story jumps from Jesus’ childhood to John the Baptist’s ministry as an adult. The listing of political and religious leaders in 3:1-2 helps us place the timeline at A.D. 29. Reading 3:2-6, how would you describe John’s life and ministry?
- What stands out to you most from John’s message in 3:7-9?
- Now look at John’s interactions with people’s questions in 3:10-14. What would you say is the theme of John’s responses in light of his overarching message (3:7-9) and mission (3:3-4)?
- What do you think it looks like to produce fruit in keeping with repentance today? What are of your life might need to produce fruit in keeping with repentance?
- John’s message lands him in prison (3:19-20), but not before he baptizes his cousin, Jesus of Nazareth (3:21-22). What does the baptism episode tell us about Jesus? (You may also want to look at parallel passages in Matthew 3:13-17 and Mark 1:9-11.)
- The genealogy in 2:23-38 tells us that Jesus is David’s heir, Abraham’s seed, and the Son of God. Which of these titles of Jesus means the most to you?
- What is one specific thing that God is speaking to you through this study? If you are with a small group, discuss that with one another and pray for one another. If you are studying on your own, write it down and share it with someone.