Jesus is about to enter into his ministry but first he must do a few things.

1 – The historical context (vs. 1-3)

Luke the historian is setting the context by giving the names of several places and people.

2 – The message of John the Baptist (vs. 4-20)

He was not into seeker friendly evangelism. There were not to rely on their heritage. They were to live out their faith by their works. They were not to abuse their position. See Micah 6:8. They had opportunities to show mercy.

3 – The baptism of Jesus (vs. 21-22)

The Trinity manifested itself. The Heavens open and God speaks. God can’t keep silent about Jesus! The father in Jewish Society tells them that he loves them, that God loves them and gives them a kiss. We need godly affirming fatherhood. God can be a father to us when we don’t have a father who affirms us.

4 – The genealogy (vs. 23-38)

Luke goes back further than Matthew. The human lineage takes us back to Adam – the son of God.

5 – The temptation of Christ (4:1-14)

The Devil plays dirty. He has heard what God the Father has said about the identity of Jesus. He questions if it is true. The Devil doubts the calling of Jesus. He seeks to twist scripture. The confidence of Jesus in His Father has been tested and it is rock solid.

• The identity
• Calling and purpose
• Confidence in God the Father

The Devil failed and Jesus could continue His ministry. The Devil is trying today to stop new things for God. We need to be on our guard. We are about to be tested. We need to be submitted to the Lord Jesus Christ and obeying the leadership of the Church as they lead. The Devil hits us when we are down. The division of the Church is not something that God wants.

Categories: Luke