Chapter Summary

Ministry of John the Baptist. Baptism of Jesus. Genealogy of Mary.

Discussion Questions for Luke, Chapter 3

1. What was John the Baptist's role at this time? Why was his message of repentance and forgiveness of sins so important? What role does repentance and forgiveness play in the life of a Christian today?
2. In what ways does Luke's emphasis on historical and cultural context serve to help us better understand John and Jesus's ministries at this time? How does our understanding of cultural and historical context deepen our understanding of God's Word and deepen our faith in God's Word?
3. What is the relationship between works and motivation of the heart? What fruit comes out of repentance, and how did John demonstrate that to the people? What fruit do you see in our own life that comes from repentance?
4. What was the purpose for Jesus being baptized? Since He had no sin to repent of, what example does this show to the people? What does this teach you about obedience, and how Jesus was obedient to be baptized?
5. What is the purpose of baptism today? In what ways is baptism both controversial and divisive? How does baptism reflect a life of repentance in your own life?
6. What role does prophecy play in the ministry of John the Baptist? How do the Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah help us better understand the life and ministry of Jesus?
7. What is the significance of the genealogy of Jesus? Do you tend to skip over passages like this? How might the genealogies actually tell God's story, much the same way that we tell our families' stories?
8. How does the voice "from heaven" (HCSB) at Jesus's baptism affirm His identity and calling? Do we see a similar instance at the transfiguration of Jesus? If so, what might we assume is important about these heavenly announcements?
9. In what ways might we see the Trinity revealed at Jesus's baptism? What is the significance of this moment? Understanding that it is a difficult concept to grasp, how do you best understand and explain the Trinity in your own life?
10. What names do you recognize in the genealogy of Jesus? Why is it important for us to know different ancestors of Jesus? In what ways does that highlight the truth of Scripture and the truth of Jesus's story?

Key Words/Phrase

Baptism, vv. 16, 21.

Characters

Holy Spirit, God, John Baptist, Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate, Herod, Philip, Annas, Caiaphas, Zacharias, Abraham.

Strong Verse(s)

16