Luke 4:1-2 Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the desert, 2 where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry.
 
THIS is the first of five lessons on the devil confronting Jesus in the Judean desert. This cosmic battle is the subject of many teachings and sermons. Even a casual Christian has likely heard several teachings on Jesus’ triumph over evil here.
    The first fact to consider is the Holy Spirit’s role in Jesus’ ministry. You remember John had baptized Jesus with water. Then during the water baptism, Jesus received the power and God’s authority through the Spirt: Luke 3:22 the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”  
    The Holy Trinity is at work. The Father has ordained the plan. The Spirit empowers the plan. The Son will work the plan. From this moment, each thing Jesus does until he returns to heaven will be done to affirm this Trinitarian relationship. Time and again, Jesus affirms he is doing his Father’s will. He can do this only in the Spirit’s anointing on him. (Luke 4:18-19)
    Thus, the Spirit sends Jesus into the desert to undergo a human-life-threatening trial. Jesus will suffer severe thirst and hunger. He will be scorched with the desert sun. Our Lord will suffer. And he will endure. Why?
    There are two reasons for Jesus’ suffering. First, suffering is essential to fulfill Jesus’ ministry. We think of Jesus’ only suffering was at the cross. But the Father gave him other sufferings to demonstrate he is our sacrificing, suffering Savior. Another suffering, for example, occurs in Luke 4 when the synagogue leaders in Nazareth threaten to kill Jesus (Luke 4:29). The Hebrews’ author explains Jesus’ suffering: Hebrews 2:10 “In bringing many sons to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the author of their salvation perfect through suffering.”
    In this desert suffering, our Lord would know the profound misery of the human flesh. He would exhibit humility and submission to God’s Word to obey the Father, to teach us the power of obedience.
    This obedience is the second reason for the desert suffering. As he resists the devil, Jesus teaches us in truth that all Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16). In Jesus’ miserable, deprived condition, Satan cannot persuade Jesus to move even the smallest degree from God’s Word. This is in eternal contrast to Adam and Eve. Satan’s slightest question to the first couple amid the plenty of Paradise caused them to doubt God’s Word. Their prideful disobedience opened the door for death into God’s creation. In contrast, Jesus’ perfect obedience in suffering hunger and thirst would open the door for life into God’s creation.
    Thus, Jesus becomes the new Adam. Romans 5:14-15 Nevertheless, death reigned from the time of Adam to the time of Moses, even over those who did not sin by breaking a command, as did Adam, who was a pattern of the one to come. 15 But the gift is not like the trespass. For if the many died by the trespass of the one man, how much more did God’s grace and the gift that came by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, overflow to the many! (Underline is mine.)
    Spirit-empowered, Word-enriched, Jesus remained sinless. As you pray, “Lead us (me) not into temptation, but deliver us (me) from the evil one.” (Mathew 6:13 NIV) know that you need the Spirit and the Word to turn away Satan as did Jesus. He is your Good Shepherd, who has shown you the way to righteous living with God. Be as Jesus. Follow his example, even in trials.
 
Prayer: Thank you, Jesus, for demonstrating the way to resist the devil. In the Spirit’s power I pray, amen.
 

Luke 3:23-38 Now Jesus himself was about thirty years old when he began his ministry. He was the son, so it was thought, of Joseph, the son of Heli, 24 the son of Matthat, the son of Levi, the son of Melki, the son of Jannai, the son of Joseph, 25 the son of Mattathias, the son of Amos, the son of Nahum, the son of Esli, the son of Naggai, 26 the son of Maath, the son of Mattathias, the son of Semein, the son of Josech, the son of Joda, 27 the son of Joanan, the son of Rhesa, the son of Zerubbabel, the son of Shealtiel, the son of Neri, 28 the son of Melki, the son of Addi, the son of Cosam, the son of Elmadam, the son of Er, 29 the son of Joshua, the son of Eliezer, the son of Jorim, the son of Matthat, the son of Levi, 30 the son of Simeon, the son of Judah, the son of Joseph, the son of Jonam, the son of Eliakim, 31 the son of Melea, the son of Menna, the son of Mattatha, the son of Nathan, the son of David, 32 the son of Jesse, the son of Obed, the son of Boaz, the son of Salmon, the son of Nahshon, 33 the son of Amminadab, the son of Ram, the son of Hezron, the son of Perez, the son of Judah, 34 the son of Jacob, the son of Isaac, the son of Abraham, the son of Terah, the son of Nahor, 35 the son of Serug, the son of Reu, the son of Peleg, the son of Eber, the son of Shelah, 36 the son of Cainan, the son of Arphaxad, the son of Shem, the son of Noah, the son of Lamech, 37 the son of Methuselah, the son of Enoch, the son of Jared, the son of Mahalalel, the son of Kenan, 38 the son of Enosh, the son of Seth, the son of Adam, the son of God.
 
AS we have mentioned, careful reading and study of the Bible is important to help us understand what we are reading. Understanding God’s Word transfers to our hearts and minds to do God’s Word in our daily lives. Wisdom of God’s Word helps us, also, to defend its truth.
    This genealogy of Jesus’ human birth is different than Matthew 1:1-17. The difference does cause questions. Many Bible students have asked, “Why the different genealogies?” Such a difference could be reason, too, for some to say, “See, the Bible contradicts itself. You can’t believe it.”
    The different lists of the generations are debated among many, but the simplest explanation in this space is that Matthew’s genealogy is the history of Joseph’s ancestors, beginning with Abraham and going to Jesus. And Luke’s list is considered to be directed in part to Mary’s family history.
    In addition, Matthew’s purpose was to convince the Jews that Jesus is the Savior prophesied to Abraham. Luke’s purpose was to point to Jesus’ as Savior for all mankind as Adam represents all humanity. As Luke has detailed Jesus’ Heaven-sent birth in Luke 1-2, he now teaches us of Jesus’ human lineage to Adam. In Jesus’ heaven and human origins, we can understand how Jesus, fully God, became fully man in the way the Father had promised. The genealogies help us know the Bible has revealed God’s plan for mankind’s salvation from ages past. And thus, we can trust his saving promises for the ages to come.
 
Prayer: Thank you, Father. Your Word reveals your plan to save us sinners into eternal glory. We praise you in Jesus’ name, amen. 

Luke 3:21b-22 And as Jesus was praying, heaven was opened 22 and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”
 
HERE is Luke’s account of Jesus’ baptism to inaugurate Jesus’ ministry and the kingdom of God on earth. Jesus’ baptism is as much a part of Jesus’ redeeming ministry as is his teaching, healing, preaching, death, resurrection and ascension. 
     Jesus affirms that baptism is key to his role. As John objected to baptizing the Lord, Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented. (Matthew 3:15) The Bible declares from Genesis to Revelation that God’s Kingdom, which is his sovereign rule to judge and to save, is defined by his perfection – his righteousness. Look, for example in Genesis 6:9 “This is the account of Noah. Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked with God.” Noah became God’s Kingdom representative to save the earth. Then see how the errant King Saul defined God’s anointed David: 1 Samuel 24:17 “You are more righteous than I,” he said. “You have treated me well, but I have treated you badly.” And note well the description of God’s people in Revelation 19:8 “Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear.” Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of the saints. Jesus fulfilled all of God’s design for the Kingdom of God as his baptism signified the new birth in his resurrection to come. In one sense, John was correct. Jesus didn’t need to be baptized for repentance. But Jesus spoke, “It is proper for us to do this.” because his baptism would demonstrate the way of eternal repentance for those baptized in Jesus’ blood.  
    Be so very thankful for the perfect Savior. The Son of God fulfilled all his Father commanded. His perfection makes your eternal perfection, your eternal righteousness, possible. One day, as the Holy Spirit has made you perfect in Jesus’ resurrection, you will wear the white linen of righteousness in Heaven.
 
Prayer: Thank you, Jesus, for being the righteous Leader, who modeled perfection in the way you lived here on earth. In your perfect name, Lord of Lords, I pray, amen. 

Luke 3:21a When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized, too.
 
IF you have not read the gospels of Matthew and Mark, or if you have not been taught about Jesus’ baptism, you would not know from this passage that John baptized Jesus. In fact, based on what we’ve read in Luke 3 to this point, you could easily think John was in Herod’s jail when Jesus is baptized. Surprisingly, Luke does not report that John baptized Jesus. Instead, the sequence of Luke 3 is designed to summarize John’s ministry and John’s persecution. Then Jesus’ baptism is the turning point to God’s revelation.
    We focus on this difference in the gospels because it teaches us about reading the Bible. Events are not necessarily recorded in a chronological order. The Bible’s inspired writers were informing their contemporary audience with a certain purpose. Remember, Luke is writing to Theophilus (Luke 1:1) to focus on Jesus, not on John. John is the Announcer. Jesus is the Messiah. Luke appropriately highlights the John-to-Jesus process in Luke 1. Remember how Luke wrote of John’s conception and birth, and then he told of Jesus’ conception and birth. Luke then repeats the “John first” pattern as it related to John’s and Jesus’ ministries. John preaches and baptizes. When Jesus begins to preach, John is only mentioned again in Luke 7 just prior to his death.
    The apostle John explains John the Baptist’s ministry order in this way in John 3:23 Now John also was baptizing at Aenon near Salim, because there was plenty of water, and people were constantly coming to be baptized. 24 (This was before John was put in prison.) Do you see how you must study the Bible? Yes, it is easier to read a few verses each day and then say, “I read my Bible.” This is certainly a good thing to do. Be encouraged then to add to your reading with some good time of study. Study Bibles are numerous and of great benefit. Many podcasts and radio stations have excellent Bible teaching. When you know the truth of God’s Word, the Spirit will lead you to more personally discover God’s impact on your life. As God becomes more clear and personal to you, you will be rooted and established in love, (to) have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge – that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. (Ephesians 3:17b-19)
    Surely, this promise should motivate you to spend study time with the One who loves you.
 
Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for your Word. I pray I know it to know you. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.  
     

Luke 3:19 But when John rebuked Herod the tetrarch because of Herodias, his brother’s wife, and all the other evil things he had done, 20 Herod added this to them all: He locked John up in prison.
 
JOHN told the truth. Then Herod imprisoned him. This is a common and constant response to God’s goodness against sin. Herod’s rejection of God’s righteous laws, grace and forgiveness remains constant. You can easily find accounts on various Christian websites and in publications the accounts of faithful Christians who are imprisoned because they spoke of God’s goodness to help people they know overcome sin.     
    For example, two men in Iran are sentenced to 18 months in prison for teaching God’s Word. And a persecuted woman in another country writes, “Almost every week they take me to a different building and put me into a dark room and announce that the day of my death is at hand. They say I should deny my faith or be killed.” Radical Islamist terrorists decimate Christian communities in Nigeria. The sinful, unrepentant heart is a deadly enemy against God’s holiness we receive through Jesus’ pure redemption.
    We see this anger opposing God first in the account of Cain killing Abel. When God rejected Cain’s offering, Cain was very angry, and his face was downcast. Then the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it.” (Genesis 4:5b-7)
    The LORD God offered Cain the opportunity to repent. But Cain was set on doing his own will, rejecting God’s authority. Instead of humble submission to the LORD, Can rebelled by persecuting Abel to the death. His hatred of God’s goodness was so deep in his heart, Cain could only express it with violence against his brother.
    How does the Christian respond to sin’s angry opposition? Your only option is to stand firm in your redeemed life. God tells us we have the strength to overcome sin’s aggression: Romans 8:37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
    Be acutely alert to God’s greatness to welcome you into his presence. Be steadfast to offer Jesus’ salvation even to the greatest opposition.
 
Prayer: Thank you, Father, for saving me from sin’s anger. Help me speak to those who are angry against your holiness. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen. 

Luke 3:17-18 His winnowing fork is in his hand to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.” 18 And with many other words John exhorted the people and preached the good news to them.
 
THERE are times when the Bible at first glance doesn’t make sense. In fact, a passage can seem contradictory. This passage is one of those.
    Look at verse 17. John the Baptist is preaching about the Lord God’s judgment on mankind. He depicts the Lord as a farmer who is on a threshing floor, separating the good wheat grain from the useless chaff of straw and leaves. When the wheat is safely stored, he burns the chaff. John is preaching God will condemn into the fire those who are useless to his Kingdom. Then Luke writes: And with many other words John exhorted the people and preached the good news to them. Where is the good news in John’s fiery judgment preaching?
    You can see the good news when you focus on the wheat. Let’s fix our eyes on the good news that God separates the righteous from sin’s destruction and from those who reject him. Keep your mind on the good news that God has a purpose and method to keep you safely with him forever. Know the good news here is God’s plan: repent of your sins, confess Jesus is your risen Lord, and be saved. This is God’s glorious plan to redeem you from the judgment fire!
    As Luke wrote that John used many words to exhort – to impress – upon the crowd of their need to repent, Luke also tells us John was urging God’s people to be prepared for the Messiah. Jesus was soon to step into his public ministry. The time had come for God’s extraordinary Goodness to speak the good news directly to his people!
    Yes, the good news is that God is holy and just. He does cleanse evil from our lives. He surely does save his own to join in God’s harvest of salvation. This is God’s plan for the world. This is, indeed, much good news from heaven’s throne. Rejoice you can, “Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” (Matthew 9:38)
 
Prayer: I am grateful, Father, for the way you have separated me from sin. Thank you for the good news of salvation in Jesus Christ. In his name I rejoice! Amen.

Luke 3:15-17 The people were waiting expectantly and were all wondering in their hearts if John might possibly be the Christ. 16 John answered them all, “I baptize you with water. But one more powerful than I will come, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.”
 
WHY were “all wondering in their hearts if John might possibly be the Christ”? They wondered and asked because something miraculous was happening in Israel. Remember John’s purpose was told to his father Zechariah: Luke 1:16 “Many of the people of Israel will he bring back to the Lord their God. 17 And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous – to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”
    Indeed, the miracle of changed hearts was affecting many. God created John for a purpose. John is fulfilling his work. As people are wondering, “Is he the Messiah?” God is preparing their hearts and minds to be more open to Jesus when the Lord begins his ministry.
    The Spirit anointed John with a preaching ministry. John also received the necessary humility to step back when it was time. If John had been prideful, as many of us are, he could have said, “Look at everyone following me! I’m important. I’m popular. Why should I give way to Jesus?”
    Of course, John knew his role. His humility and submission were as God-given as was his preaching and baptizing work. Humility is vital for a Jesus-like life. God gives us work to do. When we do the work, he causes it to grow and flourish in his time and his purpose. No pastor builds a church. God builds his church. No missionary transforms a community. God transforms a community. No Christian bears fruit for the Kingdom of God unless God is nourishing the work (see John 15).
    When you see God act through your work, be sure to give God the credit. Praise his work. Thank him he uses you. Help others see that the good you do comes from God. When you do, they will be prepared to see him in their own lives.
 
Prayer: Thank you for the way you use me to build your Kingdom.  Amen. 

Luke 3:10-14 “What should we do then?” the crowd asked. 11 John answered, “The man with two tunics should share with him who has none, and the one who has food should do the same.” 12 Tax collectors also came to be baptized. “Teacher,” they asked, “what should we do?” 13 “Don’t collect any more than you are required to,” he told them. 14 Then some soldiers asked him, “And what should we do?” He replied, “Don’t extort money and don’t accuse people falsely – be content with your pay.” 
 
IN our previous lesson, we considered that hungering and thirsting for God’s truth is one key to a changed heart for Jesus’ gospel. In this scripture, we read that John’s very pointed preaching affected hearts to want to eat and drink of God’s righteousness. There was good hunger in Israel along the Jordan River. Some Jews understood they were not faithful to God’s law.
    We know their hearts because they asked the good hungry question, “What should we do?” This is a key question for any learning, isn’t it? “What should I do to drive the car?” “What should I do to become a teacher?” “What should I do to be a good husband?” “What should I do to closely walk with Jesus?” “What should we do to interpret and teach the Bible?” Asking the question, your heart and mind begin to turn toward the answers. You may not like those answers that point, as John’s answers, to sacrifice. But if you have a heart for true change, you will press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called (you) heavenward in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:14)
    Now, let’s ask, “What would happen if you sat down with your Bible once a day and you prayed, “Lord, what should I do with what I read?’” Would the Holy Spirit focus your mind to press on toward the purpose of God’s teaching. Would your heart open to be filled with an understanding of God’s wisdom and knowledge? Your hands and feet would more eagerly put the gospel into practice. You would, “Do the love of God.”
    God’s Spirit was using John’s preaching to ignite Israel to change through the repentance of sin. The general population of Jews had forgotten God’s law. Tax collectors acted greedily against their own people. The soldiers represented Rome’s and the religious leaders’  oppression. God was moving into Jews and Gentiles, into the oppressed and the oppressors, to prepare the way for the Lord, (to) make straight paths for him.  
    That’s the reason for preaching, teaching and learning today. Jesus came to preach the gospel, so you will be ready when Jesus comes again. You must be ready. In turn you must help the world be ready. That preparation begins with your own heart asking, “What should I do?”
 
Prayer: What should I do, Lord, to live into the gospel, to be prepared for the Day of the Lord when you come again? In Jesus’ name, I receive your answer. Amen.

Luke 3:7-9 John said to the crowds coming out to be baptized by him, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? 8 Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. 9 The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.”
 
ONE walking into John’s church to determine if they liked what he saw and heard would be likely to quickly leave, wouldn’t he? Certainly, too, most church attenders would soon depart if their pastor addressed them as, “You brood of vipers!” In fact, mentioning any aspect of God’s Word that reminds a church attender of their shortcomings and sins is taboo, isn’t it? We want to go to church to be happy and leave church feeling good about ourselves.
    Or do we? Actually, we should want to be awakened to our sins. We should mourn our affronts against God. Yes, we can leave church happy when we repent and know our confessions lead to God’s forgiveness.
    Consider this. Have you ever changed a bad habit if you felt good about it? Change comes when we regret our words and actions that violate God’s law and hurt others. The only way we will seek God’s Word to truly want to change is to be as  hungry and thirsty as Jesus taught in Matthew 5:6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” When you love God, you know the only way to be satisfied in your soul is to listen closely to God’s words.
    Yes, when John called the Jews, “brood of vipers” his harsh words were to awaken the Jews to sin. He knew that some of the Jews who came out to be baptized by him did so only for show. They desired only man’s approval. These Jews were as many people today who come to church each Sunday, unconcerned about their sins. Their lives remain unchanged. They move toward their destruction because they do not hunger for God’s truth.
    And have you considered how Jesus preached in the same manner? The Lord of Love who commands us to “Love one another.” actually preached Matthew 23:33 “You snakes! You brood of vipers! How will you escape being condemned to hell?”
    Why did the prophets, John and Jesus, and then later the apostles make such harsh references to peoples’ sin? Perhaps the best way to answer this is in the apostle John’s words from 1 John 3:8 He who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work. Listen and know: Love is the reason for the harsh words. The prophets, the Christ and the apostles used such language to awaken the self-righteous sinners to their souls’ danger. They loved the world so much they couldn’t keep quiet. People need to know there is a problem before they will seek the way to redeem the problem.
    If your soul becomes uncomfortable about your sin when you are listening to a sermon, you are hearing a good sermon. Pay attention to what God is saying to you. Thank the Holy Spirit for opening your heart to feel bad. He is convicting you to thirst for the truth. This kind of desire will lead you to a true heart change for Jesus’ gospel. Submit to the truth and find joy in the Lord.
 
Prayer: Thank you, Jesus, for your loving preaching. Amen. 

Luke 3:3-6 John went into all the country around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 4 As is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet: “A voice of one calling in the desert, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him. 5 Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill made low. The crooked roads shall become straight, the rough ways smooth. 6 And all mankind will see God’s salvation.’” 
 
LET’S go to 2 Kings to read of the place where God took Elijah into heaven. 2 Kings 2:11 As they were walking along and talking together (on the far side of the Jordan River), suddenly a chariot of fire and horses of fire appeared and separated the two of them, and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind. We note Elijah and Elisha were at the Jordan River.
    Now, John, who is to “go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah” (Luke 1:17) is at the Jordan River to begin his ministry where Elijah’s ended.
    God’s purpose is to show the Jews his promises spoken by many prophets were becoming real. The Lord had been silent in Israel for 400 years. Now he breaks the silence with John’s voice reiterating the prophets’ repentance and salvation messages. Although his life is written in the New Testament, John is the last of the Old Testament, the Old Covenant, prophets. John’s voice is the final herald to say, “Prepare the way for the Lord.” The New Testament, the New Promise, of Grace in the Lord Jesus Christ is about to begin. 
    See, then, that the preparation is to be a baptism of repentance. But why baptism? This is a New Testament sacrament. Jesus commanded it as a visible sign and seal of the Holy Spirit giving new life to one who confesses Christ.
    Baptism before Jesus was a sign of repentance and desiring a more righteous life. Baptism symbolized the cleansing, changing waters of the Great Flood. Baptism helped one remember the Jews’ change through the Red Sea from Egypt’s bondage to our Lord’s freedom. Baptism helped the Jews also remember the change from wandering in the desert to settling in the Promised Land when the Jews walked through the Jordan River. Baptism was also an act of change for a Gentile to show his desire to live as a Jew under God’s law.
    John called his people to change their view of sin and God. He preached their need for change, so they would be prepared for the Lord’s salvation. As had other Jewish prophets and priests, John baptized with water to symbolize one’s desire to change. Jesus would come to baptize us into his death, resurrection and eternal life: Romans 6:3 Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. 
    New Testament baptism is a confession you are born again. You not only repent of your sins as the Jews, but you are eternally forgiven through Jesus’ blood. Your life is made new and marked in Jesus’ life, sealed in the Holy Spirit forever.
   
Prayer: Thank you, Jesus, for your eternal change of my soul, washed clean by your blood. Amen.