Sermon Notes - February 14, 2021
Luke: Mystery Man (Luke 3:3-18) - Jon Furman
Luke 3:3 (NLT)
Then John went from place to place on both sides of the Jordan River, preaching that people should be baptized to show that they had repented of their sins and turned to God to be forgiven.
Luke 3:4-6 (NLT)
Isaiah had spoken of John when he said, “He is a voice shouting in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord’s coming! Clear the road for him! The valleys will be filled, and the mountains and hills made level. The curves will be straightened, and the rough places made smooth. And then all people will see the salvation sent from God.’”
Luke 3:7-9 (NLT)
When the crowds came to John for baptism, he said, “You brood of snakes! Who warned you to flee the coming wrath? Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God. Don’t just say to each other, ‘We’re safe, for we are descendants of Abraham.’ That means nothing, for I tell you, God can create children of Abraham from these very stones. Even now the ax of God’s judgment is poised, ready to sever the roots of the trees. Yes, every tree that does not produce good fruit will be chopped down and thrown into the fire.”
Luke 3:10-11 (NLT)
The crowds asked, “What should we do?” John replied, “If you have two shirts, give one to the poor. If you have food, share it with those who are hungry.”
Stop Being Selfish
Luke 3:12-13 (NLT)
Even corrupt tax collectors came to be baptized and asked, “Teacher, what should we do?” He replied, “Collect no more taxes than the government requires.”
Stop Being Greedy
Luke 3:14 (NLT)
“What should we do?” asked some soldiers. John replied, “Don’t extort money or make false accusations. And be content with your pay.”
Stop Being Oppressive
“We have for too long preached a gospel that leaves us believing that we can be reconciled to God, but not reconciled to our brothers and sisters who don't look like us - brothers and sisters with whom we are, in fact, one blood.” John M. Perkins
Luke 3:15-16 (NLT)
Everyone was expecting the Messiah to come soon, and they were eager to know whether John might be the Messiah. John answered their questions by saying, “I baptize you with water; but someone is coming soon who is greater than I am—so much greater that I’m not even worthy to be his slave and untie the straps of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.
John calls us to action:
Turning From Self, Status, and Stuff
Turning To Jesus The Messiah
Turning His Commands Into Actions