John the Baptist Prepares the Way
10 And the crowds were questioning him, saying, "(O)Then what shall we do?" 11 And he would answer and say to them, "The man who has two tunics is to (P)share with him who has none; and he who has food is to do likewise." 12 And some (Q)tax collectors also came to be baptized, and they said to him, "Teacher, what shall we do?" 13And he said to them, "Collect no more than what you have been ordered to." 14 Some soldiers were questioning him, saying, "And what about us, what shall we do?" And he said to them, "Do not take money from anyone by force, or (R)accuse anyone falsely, and (S)be content with your wages."
This passage made me think that everyone who asked John "what shall we do?" already knew the answer to their own questions before John answered. In other words, they weren't asking for advice because they didn't know what they should do. John was just revealing their hearts. Related to that, John said:
16 As for me, I baptize you with water; but One is coming who is mightier than I, and I am not fit to untie the thong of His sandals; He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.
John was revealing their hearts as an outsider, with gentle water. But the living Holy Spirit was on its way to truly convict people of their hearts with refining fire, activating a change from within.
19 But when Herod the tetrarch was reprimanded by him....he locked John up in prison."
The imagery here is so clear to me: When we choose not to face the truth revealed to us by God, we end up locking it up in a symbolic prison in our heart. By doing so, Herod is preventing the gentle water of John's revelation to flow. The refining fire of the Holy Spirit has no access to that part of his heart.
Genealogy of Jesus
I think most people tend to skip geneaology lists when they are encountered in the Bible. But just about every time, I skim the list for 1) familiar names and 2) names of women. In this one I found my favorite Boaz (the land baron from the book of Ruth).
Luke's genealogy list of Jesus worked backwards; i.e. instead of from the top to bottom, he started with Joseph and worked his way back up the "tree" culminating at Adam, the son of God. I looked up several genealogies in the Bible. Though we are all descendants of Adam, only Jesus' genealogy in the Bible specifies him as a descendant of Adam, the son of God (the emphasis being on God, not Adam).
Here's how Jesus is introduced in the other gospels:
Matthew: the lineage goes as far "up" as Abraham (Matthew 1:1)
Mark: simply "Jesus Christ, the Son of God" (Mark 1:1)
John: The Word became flesh (John 1:14)
So while Luke was being extra detail-oriented and nitpicky-technical - as he said he would be - he also artistically ended the lineage with "the son of God." I also liked the touch in the beginning (Luke 3:23) where he wrote, "...He was the son, so it was thought, of Joseph." I like to think that these two points, taken together, was Luke's way of saying, in his mystery novel writer voice, "Jesus was really the Son of God."
The Bible is such a beautiful mystery to be discovered!
Showing posts with label luke 3. Show all posts
Showing posts with label luke 3. Show all posts
Friday, July 13, 2007
Monday, July 9, 2007
Two Different Baptisms, So Choose Wisely (Luke 3)
Luke 3 starts off with a pretty incredible verse whose purpose is put a date to the passage. Luke names the Caesar and the year of his reign, which should be enough. Then he rattles off four government officials who were in office at the time. In v2, he names the two high priests of the time. How about that for dating it?
All four gospel accounts cite Isaiah 40:3-5 to some extent, yet Luke is the only one that includes Isaiah 40:5. Here's the passage from Isaiah:
Next, John speaks to the crowds and what a way to start his message, Luke 3:7-9
3:8 is a pretty incredible statement. All along the Israelites have been the chosen people. To say that their forefathers were Abraham, Isaac and Jacob was really something. Now John comes and essentially tells them NOT to say that! What gives? "... for I say to you that from these stones God is able to raise up children to Abraham." If I were an Israelite that day, my world would have been rocked. Here I am living in Jordan, there is no Israelite nation since they are occupied by the Romans and ruled by tetrarch Herod, a half-breed Jew. But I can still claim to be the chosen people- Abraham is my father!! Woops, John blew that one out of the water.
What then if they were not to claim Abraham as father? Luke 3:9. Bear fruit or else get cut down. Ouch, isn't that a little too harsh? Nope. John's younger cousin used the same metaphor in Luke 13:
Reading Luke 3:10-14, I did not think much about it. Ok, John is now telling the people to be nice and fair to each other. Big Whoop! Yet, this is totally consistent w/ his message and purpose. I recall that the Mosaic Law focused mainly on defining sin, the sacrificial system and penalties for sin. The main thing I recall that was not related to sin was the amazing Jubilee Year in Leviticus 25 and 27. Here, John began to instruct the people beyond the Law, hence "paving the way" for Jesus. John in fact foreshadows Paul's message in Romans 3:20-
Now the people are wondering if John is the Messiah and he's quick to correct them, Luke 3:16-17:
So who gets to be baptized with the Holy Spirit and who gets to be baptized with fire? Or, who are the grain and who are the chaff?
It is interesting that John doesn't say anything about what it will be like to be baptized by the Holy Spirit, rather he focuses on the fire, the part about judgment.
Finally, the story shifts to Jesus in 3:21. Jesus was also baptized and the Holy Spirit descended on him like a dove. The Father speaks, "You are my beloved Son, in You I am well pleased." What is the relevance of this event in the context of this passage? In and of itself, the baptism is a new beginning, symbolized by the rising out of the water- a new birth. Though Jesus is God, He too is "baptized" by the Holy Spirit. And Jesus is just beginning his public ministry here. Technically, He hasn't achieved anything yet. But the Father considers his Son his beloved and is well pleased. That tells me that Jesus' relationship with the Father is not about his performance. Imagine that.
But in the context of this passage which focused heavily on John up until now, perhaps John didn't say (or Luke didn't write down) what it would be like to be baptized with the Holy Spirit since Jesus is the perfect living example!! What if God the Father says the same thing He said about Jesus for everyone as well who is baptized with the Holy Spirit, and not with fire?? "You are my beloved child, with you I am well pleased." Just a conjecture, I'm not sure. But that'd be pretty awesome- since, as Christians, we are filled w/ His Spirit.
So... what's the point? John preaches the coming judgment- You're either going to get the Holy Spirit or fire. It doesn't matter that the Israelites were descendants of Abraham. That's why Luke, a Gentile, includes Isaiah 40:5- everyone, not just Jews, will see the salvation of God. So everyone will be judged, Jew or Gentile, and the "sentence" will be either baptism by the Holy Spirit or by fire in Hell. As the old knight says to Indiana Jones at the end of "The Last Crusade," "Choose wisely."
(BTW, there's some irony in John's words. John baptizes with water, Jesus baptizes with the Holy Spirit or with fire. Water/Fire- get it?)
Lastly, Luke traces Jesus' genealogy. It'd probably be pretty fascinating to examine each and every name and it's meaning or to research the life of each name. But just a couple observations:
In contrast to Luke, Matthew's purpose was to make a case to the Jews that Jesus is their rightful king. He even says, "David the king" in Matthew 1:6. Matthew begins his account with the genealogy and starts with Abraham and works his way up to Jesus. Matthew traces Jesus' line through His mother, Mary. Additionally, Matthew includes four other women in his version (Tamar, Rahab, Ruth Bathsheba).
Mark and John do not include Jesus' genealogy.
All four gospel accounts cite Isaiah 40:3-5 to some extent, yet Luke is the only one that includes Isaiah 40:5. Here's the passage from Isaiah:
3A voice is calling,Luke 3:6 repeats Isaiah 40:5 as follows:
"Clear the way for the LORD in the wilderness;
Make smooth in the desert a highway for our God.
4"Let every valley be lifted up,
And every mountain and hill be made low;
And let the rough ground become a plain,
And the rugged terrain a broad valley;
5Then the glory of the LORD will be revealed, And all flesh will see it together;
For the mouth of the LORD has spoken."
AND ALL FLESH WILL SEE THE SALVATION OF GOD.Why does Luke include this? Hmm...
Next, John speaks to the crowds and what a way to start his message, Luke 3:7-9
7So he began saying to the crowds who were going out to be baptized by him, "You brood of vipers, who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?Why the in the world does John begin his message w/ "You brood of vipers"?!?! Well, at least it grabbed their attention...8"Therefore bear fruits in keeping with repentance, and do not begin to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham for our father,' for I say to you that from these stones God is able to raise up children to Abraham.
9"Indeed the axe is already laid at the root of the trees; so every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.
3:8 is a pretty incredible statement. All along the Israelites have been the chosen people. To say that their forefathers were Abraham, Isaac and Jacob was really something. Now John comes and essentially tells them NOT to say that! What gives? "... for I say to you that from these stones God is able to raise up children to Abraham." If I were an Israelite that day, my world would have been rocked. Here I am living in Jordan, there is no Israelite nation since they are occupied by the Romans and ruled by tetrarch Herod, a half-breed Jew. But I can still claim to be the chosen people- Abraham is my father!! Woops, John blew that one out of the water.
What then if they were not to claim Abraham as father? Luke 3:9. Bear fruit or else get cut down. Ouch, isn't that a little too harsh? Nope. John's younger cousin used the same metaphor in Luke 13:
Of course, there is also the much more familiar John 15.6And He began telling this parable: "A man had a fig tree which had been planted in his vineyard; and he came looking for fruit on it and did not find any.
7"And he said to the vineyard-keeper, 'Behold, for three years I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree without finding any. Cut it down! Why does it even use up the ground?'
8"And he answered and said to him, 'Let it alone, sir, for this year too, until I dig around it and put in fertilizer;
9and if it bears fruit next year, fine; but if not, cut it down.'"
Reading Luke 3:10-14, I did not think much about it. Ok, John is now telling the people to be nice and fair to each other. Big Whoop! Yet, this is totally consistent w/ his message and purpose. I recall that the Mosaic Law focused mainly on defining sin, the sacrificial system and penalties for sin. The main thing I recall that was not related to sin was the amazing Jubilee Year in Leviticus 25 and 27. Here, John began to instruct the people beyond the Law, hence "paving the way" for Jesus. John in fact foreshadows Paul's message in Romans 3:20-
19Now we know that whatever the Law says, it speaks to those who are under the Law, so that every mouth may be closed and all the world may become accountable to God;Also note that John's message is solely a message of repentance- the beginning of the gospel message. Jesus brings the full message- repent of your sins and believe and have eternal life.20because by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified in His sight; for (through the Law comes the knowledge of sin.
Now the people are wondering if John is the Messiah and he's quick to correct them, Luke 3:16-17:
16As for me, I baptize you with water; but One is coming who is mightier than I, and I am not fit to untie the thong of His sandals; He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 17"His winnowing fork is in His hand to thoroughly clear His threshing floor, and to gather the wheat into His barn; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.John's doing his job here- pointing to the coming King and Judge- Jesus Christ, who will baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire. A winnowing fork is a pitchfork farmers used to throw the grain into the air and husk of the grain (chaff) would be blown away in the wind. The grain is brought to the storehouses while the chaff is burned. Note the clear image of Hell here: unquenchable fire. What first comes to mind when you read the word "unquenchable" preceding "fire?" See Luke 12 for more on this.
So who gets to be baptized with the Holy Spirit and who gets to be baptized with fire? Or, who are the grain and who are the chaff?
It is interesting that John doesn't say anything about what it will be like to be baptized by the Holy Spirit, rather he focuses on the fire, the part about judgment.
Finally, the story shifts to Jesus in 3:21. Jesus was also baptized and the Holy Spirit descended on him like a dove. The Father speaks, "You are my beloved Son, in You I am well pleased." What is the relevance of this event in the context of this passage? In and of itself, the baptism is a new beginning, symbolized by the rising out of the water- a new birth. Though Jesus is God, He too is "baptized" by the Holy Spirit. And Jesus is just beginning his public ministry here. Technically, He hasn't achieved anything yet. But the Father considers his Son his beloved and is well pleased. That tells me that Jesus' relationship with the Father is not about his performance. Imagine that.
But in the context of this passage which focused heavily on John up until now, perhaps John didn't say (or Luke didn't write down) what it would be like to be baptized with the Holy Spirit since Jesus is the perfect living example!! What if God the Father says the same thing He said about Jesus for everyone as well who is baptized with the Holy Spirit, and not with fire?? "You are my beloved child, with you I am well pleased." Just a conjecture, I'm not sure. But that'd be pretty awesome- since, as Christians, we are filled w/ His Spirit.
So... what's the point? John preaches the coming judgment- You're either going to get the Holy Spirit or fire. It doesn't matter that the Israelites were descendants of Abraham. That's why Luke, a Gentile, includes Isaiah 40:5- everyone, not just Jews, will see the salvation of God. So everyone will be judged, Jew or Gentile, and the "sentence" will be either baptism by the Holy Spirit or by fire in Hell. As the old knight says to Indiana Jones at the end of "The Last Crusade," "Choose wisely."
(BTW, there's some irony in John's words. John baptizes with water, Jesus baptizes with the Holy Spirit or with fire. Water/Fire- get it?)
Lastly, Luke traces Jesus' genealogy. It'd probably be pretty fascinating to examine each and every name and it's meaning or to research the life of each name. But just a couple observations:
- Traced through Jesus' supposed father, Joseph.
- Traced all the way back to Adam.
- Adam is the first human "son of God." The genealogy stops at God.
In contrast to Luke, Matthew's purpose was to make a case to the Jews that Jesus is their rightful king. He even says, "David the king" in Matthew 1:6. Matthew begins his account with the genealogy and starts with Abraham and works his way up to Jesus. Matthew traces Jesus' line through His mother, Mary. Additionally, Matthew includes four other women in his version (Tamar, Rahab, Ruth Bathsheba).
Mark and John do not include Jesus' genealogy.
Friday, July 6, 2007
Luke Chapter 3
v.2- "the word of God came to John in the wilderness"
-Interesting how the word of God came to him "in the wilderness". I remember when Dorman was preaching on the book of Numbers, which the title in Hebrew was "in the wilderness", or "in the desert" (bemidbar).
During many times of trouble, pain, or uncertainty, God's word will come to me to encourage me and give me hope despite the circumstances. Hope it does the same for you.
v.3- John preached a very specific message: "a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins".
-This is not to say that you need to be baptized to be saved though, but rather repentance of one's sins, and salvation through Jesus and the forgiveness of sins.
v.4-5 - The words in Isaiah speak of the way, paths, ravines, mountains, hills, and rough roads.
-These words remind me that the path and road to salvation and the Christian walk and journey afterwards is not always smooth and easy. There will be ups and downs, highs and lows, but the end goal in v.6 is "all flesh will see the salvation of God". Embrace and enjoy the journey and walk with Christ.
v.7-9 - John exhorts the people to "bring forth fruits" and to bear "good fruit", lest they be "cut down and thrown into the fire".
-Sounds pretty harsh to me, but there are times when I (we) need to hear the truth so I (we) don't become too complacent and rest on my (our) laurels.
v.10-14 - John gives practical suggestions to the people when they ask him what they should do.
-A lot of times, we ask God what we should we do about this and that. The answers that John offers us some practical suggestions too:
1) Share with others to meet their needs (v.11)
2) Deal honestly at work and have integrity (v.13)
3) Do not use power or authority over others unjustly (v.14)
4) Do not accuse others falsely (v.14)
5) Be content with what you have and are given (v.14)
v.15-18 - John pointed to Jesus as the one people should be looking for and the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire.
- We, like John, should be pointing people to Jesus and the gospel (good news), not to gifted individuals.
v.19-20 - John was locked up in prison, for preaching the gospel.
- There are risks and there are people who will be opposed to us and the message we want to share.
v.21-22 - Jesus was baptized, was praying when the Holy Spirit descended upon Him in bodily form like a dove, and a voice came out of heaven.
- These verses are often referenced to when one speaks of the trinity. The Holy Spirit is referenced to as a person here.
v.23-38 - Jesus' humanity is revealed in his lineage through the male descendants (David, Abraham, etc.), fulfilling Biblical prophecy.
Blessings and thanks for reading.
-Ying
-Interesting how the word of God came to him "in the wilderness". I remember when Dorman was preaching on the book of Numbers, which the title in Hebrew was "in the wilderness", or "in the desert" (bemidbar).
During many times of trouble, pain, or uncertainty, God's word will come to me to encourage me and give me hope despite the circumstances. Hope it does the same for you.
v.3- John preached a very specific message: "a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins".
-This is not to say that you need to be baptized to be saved though, but rather repentance of one's sins, and salvation through Jesus and the forgiveness of sins.
v.4-5 - The words in Isaiah speak of the way, paths, ravines, mountains, hills, and rough roads.
-These words remind me that the path and road to salvation and the Christian walk and journey afterwards is not always smooth and easy. There will be ups and downs, highs and lows, but the end goal in v.6 is "all flesh will see the salvation of God". Embrace and enjoy the journey and walk with Christ.
v.7-9 - John exhorts the people to "bring forth fruits" and to bear "good fruit", lest they be "cut down and thrown into the fire".
-Sounds pretty harsh to me, but there are times when I (we) need to hear the truth so I (we) don't become too complacent and rest on my (our) laurels.
v.10-14 - John gives practical suggestions to the people when they ask him what they should do.
-A lot of times, we ask God what we should we do about this and that. The answers that John offers us some practical suggestions too:
1) Share with others to meet their needs (v.11)
2) Deal honestly at work and have integrity (v.13)
3) Do not use power or authority over others unjustly (v.14)
4) Do not accuse others falsely (v.14)
5) Be content with what you have and are given (v.14)
v.15-18 - John pointed to Jesus as the one people should be looking for and the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire.
- We, like John, should be pointing people to Jesus and the gospel (good news), not to gifted individuals.
v.19-20 - John was locked up in prison, for preaching the gospel.
- There are risks and there are people who will be opposed to us and the message we want to share.
v.21-22 - Jesus was baptized, was praying when the Holy Spirit descended upon Him in bodily form like a dove, and a voice came out of heaven.
- These verses are often referenced to when one speaks of the trinity. The Holy Spirit is referenced to as a person here.
v.23-38 - Jesus' humanity is revealed in his lineage through the male descendants (David, Abraham, etc.), fulfilling Biblical prophecy.
Blessings and thanks for reading.
-Ying
Luke Chapters 1-3 (Second Delivery Attempt)
...acknowledgments to UPS. My first attempt at
posting did not go through because I sent these as a
word attachment. I thought Kayan was reviewing these
first and then posting. haha. Anyway, here are my
first entries.
posting did not go through because I sent these as a
word attachment. I thought Kayan was reviewing these
first and then posting. haha. Anyway, here are my
first entries.
Luke Chapter 1 –
• Main point of this chapter appears to be laid out in
1:1-4, that the reader (specifically, Theophilus) is
being given a pretty detailed account of Jesus'
background. It occurred to me that the amount of
detail is prodigious as supported by the author
describing Elizabeth's pregnancy in months (first 5,
then sixth, etc).
• I found interesting the comparison between the
pregnancies of Zacharias/Elizabeth and Joseph/Mary.
• Similarities: God sent His angel Gabriel to speak
to one party of each of the couples. Both Zach and
Mary were initially afraid as Gabriel remarked to
each, "Do not be afraid…" Both Zach and Mary appeared
to exhibit initial apprehension to what Gabriel said.
• Differences: Gabriel spoke to Zachariah (man) and
Mary (woman). It appears that Zach/Elizabeth asked
God for a child, whereas Mary/Joseph did not.
Gabriel's response to the apprehension conveyed by
Zach and Mary is very different. In Zach's case, he
is slightly rebuked for his doubt, but Mary is only
encouraged by Gabriel and by no means rebuked.
• The multiple use of the word "favor" concerning Mary
in 1:28-30 is interesting. Perhaps the implication is
that finding favor with God can result in miraculous
things. In fact, seven verses later in 1:37, it
states, "For nothing will be impossible with God."
• A question arises as to why God uses angels
(Gabriel) to communicate at times, particularly given
the paramount importance of this event. Why would He
not communicate directly?
• What is the purpose of the clearly different
structure of The Magnificat 1:46-55?
Key Takeaways – It appears from this chapter that God
works in at least two different ways. He answers the
petitions of those that call to Him (Zachariah), and
He also works without being asked (Mary). Clay. 7/3/07
Luke Chapter 2 -
• Again, when the angel of the Lord appeared before
the shepherds, the angel said, "Do not be afraid…"
This was the exact same response by Gabriel to both
Zachariah and Mary. Why the need and purpose to
constantly reiterate this point? Perhaps it is just
human nature to be afraid of something one has never
seen or experienced before. However, the exact
phrasing and repetition of the statement makes me
think that there is some other reason for the
statement, "Do not be afraid…"
• Use of the word "Spirit" or "Holy Spirit" in
reference to Simeon is pronounced (mentioned 3 times)
in Luke 2:25-27. I went back to chapter 1 and found
seven occurrences of the word "Spirit". Makes me
wonder why God communicates through the Holy Spirit at
times, directly, through prophets, or through angels.
• How did Simeon and Anna, the prophetess know that
they were in the presence of the Christ?
• I found it interesting in that it appears that God
gave continuous affirmation to Mary and Joseph that
they were indeed in the presence of the Christ
throughout chapter 2. Clay. 7/3/07
Luke Chapter 3 –
• Definition of Tetrarch - Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Latin tetrarcha, from
Greek tetrarchEs, from tetra- + -archEs –arch
1 : a governor of the fourth part of a province
2 : a subordinate prince
I wanted to look this word up since it has not been a
highly utilized component of my vocabulary.
• It seems that there is a pattern through chapters 1
through 3 that what God says will be done, will in
fact occur. This is supported by the birth of Jesus,
the birth of John as told by Isaiah the prophet in
Luke 3:4-6.
• Did not fully understand the whole wheat and chaff
metaphor by John, and it seemed particularly
important.
• Completely missed the meaning of the Genealogy of
Jesus verses. I know that these are important but
nonetheless was unable to understand it. Clay. 7/3/07
Luke 3 (originally posted July 5th)
vv2-4:
When the word of God (v2) came to John, he began his preaching on a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sin. This was to fulfill the scripture as well as to prepare the way for Jesus.
v7-9: John's message of repentance distinguishes true repentence as one that was clearly evidenced by its fruit v8. He cautioned against not bearing fruit v9.
vv10- 14: True repentence resulted in an obvious change in heart attitude as well as outward behavior:
- share clothings and food with those who have none
- conduct business honestly
- Don't extort, don't accuse falsely and be content.
vv 16,17: Jesus' ministry was different from John's in that His was marked by power. Jesus baptizes with the Holy Spirit and with fire (?) as opposed to John who baptized with water.
v21: Jesus was baptized by John - Why? This act appears to reflect His humble and obedient heart to identify with us all.
v22 -Jesus is God's beloved Son.
- Su
When the word of God (v2) came to John, he began his preaching on a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sin. This was to fulfill the scripture as well as to prepare the way for Jesus.
v7-9: John's message of repentance distinguishes true repentence as one that was clearly evidenced by its fruit v8. He cautioned against not bearing fruit v9.
vv10- 14: True repentence resulted in an obvious change in heart attitude as well as outward behavior:
- share clothings and food with those who have none
- conduct business honestly
- Don't extort, don't accuse falsely and be content.
vv 16,17: Jesus' ministry was different from John's in that His was marked by power. Jesus baptizes with the Holy Spirit and with fire (?) as opposed to John who baptized with water.
v21: Jesus was baptized by John - Why? This act appears to reflect His humble and obedient heart to identify with us all.
v22 -Jesus is God's beloved Son.
- Su
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