Jesus’ Circumcision

Luke 2:21–40 | Hymn of Simeon

Jesus presented according to the Law
Simeon — promised he would see the Lord’s Christ
Simeon holds the Messiah
“A light for revelation to the Gentiles” — v. 32
Falling and rising of many in Israel — vv. 34–35
Mary’s soul will be pierced
Anna recognizes Jesus and speaks about Him
Everything fulfilled according to the Law
Luke moves the narrative forward to Galilee

Jesus at Twelve Years

Luke 2:41–52

Passover in Jerusalem
Jesus approaching greater responsibility under the Law
Jesus among the teachers:
- listening
- asking questions
- demonstrating understanding
“My Father’s house” / “My Father’s business” — v. 49
Unique relationship with His Father
Returns to Nazareth and submits to His parents
Mary keeps these things in her heart
Jesus grows in:
- wisdom
- stature
- favor with God and man
Luke shows genuine human development

John the Baptist

Luke 3:1–6 | Mark 1:5–6

Luke places John in history:
- Pontius Pilate
- Herod
- Annas and Caiaphas
The word of God comes to John
Baptism of repentance for forgiveness of sins
Preparing the way of the Lord
Turning Israel’s attention back toward God
People confess their sins
John:
- camel’s-hair garment
- leather belt
- locusts and wild honey
John’s appearance recalls Elijah — 2 Kings 1:8

John’s Preaching of Repentance

Matthew 3:7–10

Pharisees and Sadducees come to John’s baptism
“Bear fruit in keeping with repentance” — v. 8
Ancestry will not save them:
- “We have Abraham as our father”
God can raise children of Abraham from stones
The axe is already at the root
Trees without good fruit are cut down
Judgment is coming

John’s Preaching of Repentance

Matthew 3:7–10

“Bear fruit in keeping with repentance”
Repentance must produce fruit
Ancestry is not enough
“We have Abraham as our father” is not enough
God can raise children for Abraham from stones
The axe is laid to the root of the trees
Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down
Judgment is coming

John’s Preaching to Special Groups

Luke 3:10–14

The crowds ask:
- “What then shall we do?”
Have two tunics?
- Share with one who has none
Have food?
- Do likewise
Tax collectors:
- Collect no more than authorized
Soldiers:
- Do not extort
- Do not accuse falsely
- Be content with your wages
Repentance produces changes in how we treat others

John’s Messianic Preaching

Luke 3:15–18

The people wonder:
- Could John be the Christ?
John points away from himself
“One who is mightier than I is coming”
John:
- baptizes with water
The Coming One:
- baptizes with the Holy Spirit and fire
Winnowing fork in His hand
Wheat gathered — chaff burned
The Messiah is coming — and judgment is coming
John preached many other exhortations

John’s Imprisonment

Luke 3:19–20

John rebukes Herod the tetrarch
Herod had taken Herodias, his brother’s wife
John also rebuked Herod for “all the evil things that Herod had done”
Herod responds by imprisoning John
John will eventually be executed
John’s message of repentance applies even to rulers