Scripture: Luke 3
These videos below reference the Scripture: Luke 3.
Episode 39 - The Message of John the Baptist, part 4
John the Baptist's message of division was not something new in redemptive history. This episode examines the Old Testament foundation of the promise of restoration and regeneration and links it to Jesus' first coming. As we trace "the seed" (Genesis 3:15), the message of John and the story of the Gospels will become much clearer… Read More »
Episode 38 - The Message of John the Baptist, part 3
John the Baptist said that the One coming after Him (who we know to be Jesus of Nazareth) would separate the "wheat" from the "chaff" and would be the one to baptize with the Holy Spirit and with fire. This is yet another example of John's offensive message to Israel. This episode also discusses the… Read More »
Episode 37 - The Message of John the Baptist, part 2
The significance of John's message to the nation of Israel is only heightened when we see that he is baptizing. Yet it is important to remember the audience of his proclamation was not Gentiles, but the Jews, the physical descendants of Abraham. This episode examines the importance of baptism and how offensive it would have… Read More »
Episode 36 - The Message of John the Baptist, part 1
The story of John the Baptist precedes the ministry of Jesus in all four Gospels and is critical for rightly understanding why Jesus says what He says and does what He does. John speaks to the people of Israel of soon judgment and gives an urgent plea for repentance. The God of Israel was coming… Read More »
Episode 35 - John the Baptist and the Maccabean Revolt
In 166BC, the Jews revolted against their Greek oppressors in a time historians call the Maccabean Revolt. After the Jews violently fought and regained control of Jerusalem, leaders would be set in place over the next century that would cause Israel to stray from the Lord, setting the stage for a Roman takeover in 63BC.… Read More »
Episode 34 - Introduction to John the Baptist, Part 2
John the Baptist as a very unique individual. After 400 years of prophetic silence in Israel, the Gospels clearly present John as prophet in several main ways: the formula used to introduce him, the way he dressed, and the message he proclaimed. This episode helps link John into the continuing story of the Old Testament.
Episode 33 - Introduction to John the Baptist, Part 1
All four Gospels tell us about John the Baptist, making him an extremely important figure in the story of Jesus. Who was John and how do the writers of the Gospels present him? These are critical questions to ask if we are to rightly understand the words and mission of Jesus. This episode develops the… Read More »
Episode 32 - Eighteen Years of Silence
The Gospels offer no record of Jesus' life and words between His visit to the Temple at 12 and the start of His ministry at 30. What did the living God do during these years of silence? For those with ears to hear, the silence is deafening - for it is in these years that… Read More »
Episode 22 - The Shepherds, part 2
Lowly shepherds are given the "good news" that a baby who was "Christ the Lord" had been born in Bethlehem. Before they could even compose themselves, Luke 2 tells us that a multitude of the "heavenly host" appeared to them in the sky in a valley just outside Bethlehem. But are these angels really choirs… Read More »
Episode 9 - Introduction to Luke's Gospel
Luke's Gospel is unique in so many ways - from the way he narrates Jesus' birth to the way he exclusively covers Jesus' ministry in Judea and Perea 6-8 months before the cross. In this episode, I cover Luke's author, the date it was written, and some of the major themes and literary style of… Read More »