Hello,
Read Luke 3
And just like that, we’re past our traditional Christmas stories. However, Luke 3, often shows up as an Advent text because it focuses on John the Baptist preparing the way of the Lord, both then and for us now. John’s often fiery rhetoric seems to stand in stark contrast to the Messiah he is preparing the way for. And yet, John also sounds a lot like Jesus (Lk 3.10-14), and Jesus at times sounds harsher than we often like to admit. How did John’s message prepare the people then? How is John’s message preparing you now to receive the gift of Jesus this Advent season?
Luke opens and closes this chapter with lots of names we often skip over, or read quickly. Look at them again (Lk 3.1-2; 23-38). Do any names jump out to you? Why do you think Luke grounds the gospel of Jesus in such a way? Matthew’s genealogy is focused on David (kingship) and Abraham (blessing see Genesis 12.1-3). Although both are clearly part of Luke’s genealogy, what do you think Luke is trying to highlight by going further back, to Noah, Adam, and indeed God?
What reflections/surprises/insights are you seeing today?
I’m enjoying this read through Luke, and hope you are too.
Blessings for your day,
Matt
P.S. Here is the continuation of the one BibleProject video series: