The Setting of John's Ministry | The Wolfe Notes

These notes follow our 7-step rhythm for Bible study. Unless otherwise noted, all Bible quotes are from the Expanded Bible translation.

The Setting of John's Ministry

(From Luke 3:1-6)

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1. Summary

During the time of Tiberius Caesar's Roman rule, John (the one prophesied about in Isaiah) began, in God's authority, to preach a baptism of repentance through changed hearts (passions) and lives (choices) for the forgiveness of sins. He preached throughout Israel in a time of Roman rule. Pontius Pilate, Herod Antipas, Philip, and Lysanias oversaw regions of Israel. Annas and Caiaphas were the high priests for the Jews.

2. N/W/L Statements

1. I NOTICED that no Jews ruled even though the Old Testament ends with a return from exile. The Silent Years obviously brought a lot of changes.
2. I WONDER What I would have thought of John? Where would I be in this social climate? Would I have listened?
3. I think God wants us to LEARN that we, like John, are to follow our God-given missions in obedience and diligence even if the political climate and culture around us run contrary to our mission.

3. Key Verse

He went all over the area [country; region] around the Jordan River preaching a baptism of changed hearts and lives [repentance] for the forgiveness of sins. Luke 3:3 (EXB)

This verse reminds me that lasting forgiveness of sins requires a change in your heart (thinking/motivations/passions) and lifestyle (choices/words/interactions). A common reminder voiced in the Wolfe Stew household is, "If you just say 'Sorry', but don't do anything differently, you weren't really sorry in the first place." If you don't make the heart and life change, you're going to continue engaging in the sin.

4. God's Character

1. God's message is constant: Return to Me. (Our message through the ages should also remain the same.)
1.  But when I called the people of Israel [them], they went away from me. They offered sacrifices to the Baals and burned incense to the idols [images]. Hosea 11:2
2. All day long I stood ready to accept [stretched out my hands to a] people who turned [rebelled] against me, but the way they continue to live [walk] is not good; they do anything they want to do [following their own thoughts/schemes]. Isaiah 65:2
3. Then if my people, who are called by my name [belong to me], will humble themselves, if they will pray and seek me [my face] and stop their evil ways, I will forgive their sin, and I will heal [restore] their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14
2. God's message is constant: Follow My ways. 
1. Today you have said that the LORD is your God, and you have promised to do what he wants you to do [will walk on his way/path] - to keep his rules [statutes; ordinances; requirements], commands, and laws. You have said you will obey him [listen to his voice]. Deuteronomy 26:17
2. "So I will judge you, people [house] of Israel; I will judge each of you by what you do [according to your ways], says the Lord GOD. Change your hearts [Repent] and stop all [turn from] your sinning [transgressions] so sin will not bring your ruin [be your downfall/stumbling block]. Get rid of [Throw away] all the sins [transgressions; offenses] you have done, and get [make] for yourselves a new heart and a new way of thinking [spirit]. Why do you want to [should you] die, people [house] of Israel? Ezekiel 18:30-31
3. "If you love me, you will obey my commands [or If you love me, obey my commands; this may be either a declaration or a command]. John 14:15
3. God's message is constant: Let your desire be for Me. 
   
1. Love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. Deuteronomy 6:5
2. Do not love the world or the things in [associated with] the world. If you love the world, the love of [or for] the Father is not in you. I John 2:15
3. "But I have this against you: You have left [abandoned] the love you had in the beginning [or your first love]. Revelation 2:4

5. Pray

Father God, thank You for never giving up on us. We lose sight of You, our hearts get turned away and we walk paths that do not lead to You. But You, God, care enough about us to keep reaching out to bring us back. Open our eyes to see Your truth, open our hearts to change, and strengthen our resolve for the journey.

6. Act

1. Choose the Jesus way. (Sing it. "The Jesus Way" performed by Phil Wickham)
2. Set your mind on things above. (Memorize it. Colossians 3:2)
3. Change, and be forgiven.

7. Annotation Notes

? Denotes a question, * a personal thought, x a cross reference, ! a connection, and italics a referenced source.

1. Herod the Great, the father of Herod Antipas in this passage, was very rich because of the spice trade. - BEMA Discipleship Podcast (Luke 3:1) - "Episode 76: Silent Years - Sadducees" from BEMA Discipleship Podcast
2. Annas, the chief priest, earned his position by buying it. - "Episode 76: Silent Years - Sadducees" from BEMA Discipleship Podcast (Luke 3:2)
3. It is likely that John was trained by the Essenes because his father, Zechariah, was likely an Essene. Essenes were known for their dedication to preserving and following the Word of God and lived in the wilderness. - BEMA Discipleship Podcast (Luke 3:2) "Episode 78: Silent Years - Essenes" from BEMA Discipleship Podcast
4. ? How do you preach a baptism? *I need to be preached a baptism. I need to be reminded that I need to be washed, that I am one with the Father through the Son, and that the Holy Spirit lives in me. (Luke 3:4)
1. x Wash yourselves and make yourselves clean. Stop doing the evil things I see you do [Take away your evil deeds from my eyes] Stop doing wrong. Learn to do good [right]. Seek justice. Punish those who hurt others [Rebuke the oppressor; or Encourage the oppressed]. Help [Defend; Bring justice to] the orphans [fatherless]. Stand up for the rights of [Contend/strive for] widows. Isaiah 1:16-17

Sample these related posts:

1. To review John the Baptist's purpose.
2. To preview Pontius Pilate's upcoming role in Jesus' life.
3. For more on baptism.
4. To be a courageous follower.
5. To gather strength for the journey.

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