[:en]SCRIPTURE: LUKE 3
Bible Verses:
“As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet: “A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord,make straight paths for him. Every valley shall be filled in,every mountain and hill made low. The crooked roads shall become straight,the rough ways smooth. And all people will see God’s salvation.” (Luke 3:4-6)
“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. 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.” (Luke 3:8-9)
“John answered them all, “I baptize you with water. But one who is more powerful than I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” (Luke 3:16)
“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.” (Luke 3:22)
JOHN THE BAPTIST PREPARES THE WAY (vs. 1-20)
John, the son of Zechariah went into all the country around Jordan preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. He told the crowd to be baptized by him and produce fruit in keeping with repentance. To the collectors, he told them not to collect more than what is required. To the soldiers, he told them not to extort money and accuse people falsely but be content with their pay.
When the people thought that he might be the Christ, he said: “I baptize you with water. But one who is more powerful than I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire” (v. 16)
John rebuked Herod the tetrach for taking Herodias, his brother’s wife. Herod was angry and put him into prison.
THE BAPTISIM AND GENEALOGY OF JESUS (vs. 21-37)
Jesus was also baptized by John. The heaven opened and the Holy Spirit descended on Jesus in bodily form like a dove and a voice from heaven came: “You are my Son, whom I love, with you I am well pleased” (v. 22). Jesus began his ministry at the age of 30.
John’s ministry of baptism looked forward to the coming of the Savior. Our baptism today looks back in identification with Christ’s death, burial and resurrection.
[:]