Luke 3 -- John's Pictures For Us

My commentary notes that “no prophetic voice had been heard in Israel for 400 years.”  With the Romans occupying the territory, I imagine that the people of God wondered if they had taken sin too far and caused God to completely desert them! 

John resembled Elijah in his manner and dress, and God used him to call people to turn from sin and to point them toward the Messiah. 

My commentary says John’s baptism of fire alluded to in verses 9 and 17 does not refer to the tongues of fire at Pentecost, but judgment and not blessing for those who do not accept Jesus as Savior.  “John reminded them that God gets to the root of things and is not impressed with religious profession that does not produce fruit.”  “He also clearly stated that Jesus was the Lord and the Son of God.”

As to why Jesus was baptized, since he had no sin, it said that immersion, as a picture of death, burial, and resurrection, pictured His work of redemption.  “It was through His baptism of suffering on the cross that God fulfilled all righteousness.”

Father, thank You that my Savior had no sin and never needed baptism, but that he endured a baptism of suffering for me so that I could be called righteous by You.

Your Brother In Christ,

Gary Ford