HE SEES, HE KNOWS, HE CARES: THE GOSPEL of LUKESample

Read: Luke 3:1—4:13

SOAP: Luke 3:21–22

Now when all the people were baptized, Jesus also was baptized. And while he was praying, the heavens opened, and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my one dear Son; in you I take great delight.”

Into the Text

Luke begins his account of Jesus’ ministry by recalling John’s ministry and impact. John was faithful to preach the truth, no matter the outcome. He believed Jesus was the Christ, and he honored Him.

The events of Jesus’ baptism display His humanity and His deity. Jesus was not baptized because He needed to repent. Instead, Jesus’ baptism displayed God’s anointing in His ministry. He received divine anointing because He is the Son of God. This event showed all those present who Jesus was. He showed His obedience by submitting to God, and by being baptized, and God delighted in Him.

Shortly after, Jesus again showed His deity and humanity when He was tempted by the devil. Instead of using His power to meet His physical needs or using His authority to test God, Jesus submitted to the Father.

While Luke’s Gospel was written to a man named Theophilus, the living disciples and later followers of Jesus would also read and be encouraged by his words. God equipped and prepared Jesus, who was God Himself, for ministry, and He would equip and prepare the early church for ministry as well.

The same God who gave John the words to teach and bring the people to repentance would give them words to teach others. The same God who allowed John to be imprisoned would be with them in their imprisonment and persecution. The same God who kept His promise to send a Messiah would keep His promise to never leave them. The same God who was pleased with Jesus would affirm and direct their ministry. And the same God who endured temptation in the wilderness would help them endure testing as they walked with Him.

He is the same God. The faithful God. We can cling to His promises and trust His character no matter what; He never changes.