Message Notes

RESPONSE TO THE MINISTRY OF JOHN THE BAPTISER

1. Multitudes came Luke 3:7

2. Regions noted:

a) Land of Judea Mark 1:5 (Matthew 3:5)

b) Jerusalem Mark 1:5

A GLIMPSE OF THE PREACHING MINISTRY OF JOHN THE BAPTISER

1. A strong word of warning given to all who came

a) Sharp and direct words

            “Brood of vipers”                                         Luke 3:7

b) They came because they feared the wrath of God

            “Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?”                Luke 3:7

c) A firm demand of proof of repentance

            “Therefore bear fruits of repentance…”  Luke 3:8

d) False ideas challenged

            “We have Abraham as our father…”                     Luke 3:8

e) An urgent word of warning

“And even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees. Therefore every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.”     Luke 3:9

2. The Multitude’s Interaction with John

a) First interaction                                     Luke 3:10-11

i) Question: What shall we do then?

ii) Answer: Give to those in need

b) Second interaction (Tax collectors) Luke 3:12-13

i) Question: Teacher, what shall we do?

ii) Answer: Collect no more than what is appointed to you

c) Third interaction: (soldiers)             Luke 3:14

i) Question: And what shall we do?

ii) Answer: Do not intimidate. Do not accuse falsely. Be content with your wages.

3. John’s chosen approach

Direct and forthright!

WAS JOHN THE LONG-AWAITED CHRIST (“The Messiah”)?

1. Prophecy of the Messiah

a) The ancient prophets foretold the coming of The Messiah

b) Isaiah was one of the prophets who prophesied extensively about the Messiah

2. Expectations

a) This was a deep-seated expectation of many in Israel

b) John’s ministry sparked the query as to whether the fiery preacher was The Messiah   Luke 3:15

3. John’s faithfulness as the forerunner of the Messiah Luke 3:16-17

a) He rejected any notion that he was the Messiah

b) He only baptized with water

c) Features of the Messiah and His ministry:-

i) The Messiah is far mightier

ii) John was not worthy to unloose His sandal strap

iii) He will baptise with the Holy Spirit

iv) He will clean out the threshing floor

v) He will gather the wheat into the barn

vi) He will burn the chaff 

HEROD ANTIPAS

1. John spoke against Antipas

a) He had taken the wife of his brother Philip (Herodias)

b) He had done many evil deeds

2. Antipas’ response

a) He arrested John

b) He put him into prison