Luke 3 is primarily about John and the work of John prior to Jesus' ministry.
Again, in the style of Luke, we see a very detailed list of rulers and people of authority (vv 1-2). Why do you think it was important for Luke to include such a detailed list? Interesting side note, some of the people listed (Herod, especially) were morally and spiritually poor. We have that in comparison to John! And look at many of our rulers and people of authority today?!
John details his ministry (vv 4-6) using texts from Isaiah. We can look at this as a way for John to prepare the way for Jesus and/or we can also look at this passage as a means to repentance and what life is life after we repent and ask for forgiveness. How is John a herald for Jesus? Who in our world is a herald for Jesus?
I really like the list of actions that various people should be doing in vv 10-14. To me, they are the beginning of social justice reform in Rome! Share your clothing and food with those that need it, tax just what is needed and take no more, no coercion or force to get people to do things. With all these statements from John, people wondered if he was the Christ. Can you see why people would think that John was the Christ? How do we relate to that feeling? Are we waiting for Christ's return looking for something better and grabbing at false hopes (maybe not the best choice of words in reference to John, but I hope you get what I am asking)?
An interesting point to bring out...read v 20 and what happened to John. Now read v 21, what did John do? What seems to be the discrepancy here?
In v 23 we hear Jesus was 30 when he started his ministry. Thirty was the age of full adult maturity in Jewish culture; priests could not begin work until they were 30, so it would stand that Jesus couldn't "start" ministry until he was 30. Do you think Jesus did "nothing" for 30 years just waiting until the time, or was he active in ministry? Why do you think Luke thought it was important to add Jesus's age here?
Another interesting note I have for v 23 is, "People thought that Jesus was Joseph's son." Hmm, so are the people really questioning the fatherhood or what's going on?! Which brings us to the genealogy of Jesus. Family is very important to the Jewish culture, so it is understandable that it would be included. What is odd is that Mark and John do not include family history. John we can somewhat understand as that isn't the style of the author, but I find it surprising that Mark didn't have one! The Luke family history starts with Jesus and goes all the way back to God; I think the point of doing that is to show first that Jesus is a descendant of God, but also that Jesus is for all people, not just the Jews. Matthew's genealogy starts with David and ultimately ends with Mary; Matthew includes a few women in his family listing! There are several discrepancies between Matthew and Luke, one of the most obvious is v 31 in Luke says Nathan was the son of David; in Matthew 1:6 it says David was the father of Solomon?! An interesting side note- some theologians believe that Luke is actually listing Mary's genealogy, thus accounting for many differences. For us, does it really matter the sequence of the genealogy or the discrepancies or the fact that it may be Mary's family line v Joseph's family line? Why are genealogies so important? My mom was really into family history; we can trace her family side to ancestors that came from England; we have similar from my dad's family, but there are some missing pieces.
Enjoy the reading and thanks for the comments!
Shalom+
Pastor Paul
I think the reason Luke mentions who was in authority in the beginning of the chapter is to set the timeline. People reading this can look back and know exactly when it all happened. He is trying to prove that what he is saying is true. You know, since you used the word herald, I looked up the meaning to make sure I knew what it meant and not what I thought it meant! - an official messenger bringing news. So I think the obvious people are clergy or those active in some type of ministry but my Hallmark answer is all of us who say we are Christians should be. But I fail in that job badly!! John was a wonderful Herald for Jesus - never taking credit for ANYTHING - but always saying someone greater is coming! And to die for his belief and actions......very brave. I can see why people thought he was Christ - after all, he not only told people how they should be behaving (like Matthew 25 from Jesus) but was also baptizing them. People from different walks of life asked him what they should be doing and he immediately told them what to do. That would make me think he spoke with authority! I am not surprised there are some discrepancies in the genealogy between Mark and Luke - names change ALL the time but are the same people. Going back to our last reading - people asked Zechariah if he really wanted to name his son John because there were no John’s in his family line. There are a LOT of Joseph’s in the family line that Luke is quoting so I feel that Luke is listing Joseph’s family line. My thought is - how did Luke know the lineage of Jesus? How did anyone know? Did Jesus tell them? Did people, back then, talk about it? I like genealogy and have studied and documented mine! But I have the internet to help me! 😊 Frankly, I think it is important - but I like that stuff! Love this reading!
ReplyDeleteDonna. I love the Hallmark answer! So why do we fall short of being messengers for Christ? And you’re right about the genealogy part. How would Luke know? My guess is that people cherished heritage so much was already written down. But all the way to Adam? Good thoughts. Thanks!
DeleteI would like to understand a little more about all the baptizing. It seems that John was baptizing people who repented. But he also baptized Jesus. Now a days isn’t it a sign of the beginning of a persons Christian journey? I always think of it as more of a commitment of people to support the baptized person in their journey. Any thoughts?
ReplyDeleteHi Cathy. Good question. Baptism is not a new right for Christians baptism has been in the Jewish faith for thousands of years and it was a way to show repentance and a symbol of cleanliness. We use it as a start of our Christian journey but I encourage you to look at the baptismal vows found in the United Methodist Hymnal or any other denomination book of worship. Jesus was a Jew so was doing the protocol for repentance and forgiveness possibly as a way for his Jewish brothers and sisters to know him more. Does that make sense? Great question!
DeleteCathy, I love the point you made about baptism not only for the person being baptized but also for the people around who make the commitment to support them on their faith journey - in the Christian faith! Thanks
DeleteI forgot something- I love thinking about the clouds opening and the Holy Spirit descending. I like to think that the Holy Spirit comes in to us like breath.
ReplyDeleteIt is beautiful imagery isn’t it! I do remember one baptism I was officiating at Little Meadows and as I poured the water into the font, the light streamed
ReplyDeleteIn the windows so brightly and landed right on the baptismal font! That was the Holy Spirit definitely!