Advent Bible Study: Week Two (online)

Session Two: Repentance as Good News: A Study of Luke 3:1-9

Read Luke 3: 1-9

To learn more about John the Baptist, also read the related passages: Matthew 3:1-10; Mark 1:1-5; John 1:6, 23; cf., Isaiah 40:3-5.

Comments - Church tradition renders John the Baptist an Advent figure, though he is not evident on the scene of the birth of Jesus, but, later on, he quit the wilderness to herald the coming of Christ when Jesus is mature and is about to begin his ministry. (Luke 3:23). Clues to the meaning of the first Advent and, in fact, both Advents, may be found in the Baptist's preaching. The gospel accounts appear consistent as to the content of John's preaching: repentance. Both Luke and Mark report that John preached "a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sin(s)" (Luke 3:3; Mark 1:4); Matthew reports John's message in this manner: "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." (Matthew 3;2). Thus the call of John the Baptist for repentance would seem to be the definitive topic of Advent. Furthermore, it should not be overlooked that after John the Baptist has been imprisoned, Matthew states, "From the time Jesus began to preach, saying, 'Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.'"(Matthew 4:17). Later on, when Jesus charges his disciples, he tells them, "And preach as you go, saying, 'The kingdom of heaven is at hand.'" (Matthew 10:7). If repentance is the theme and sentiment appropriate at Advent, it is so identified not merely in the preaching of John the Baptist, but in the ratification of that preaching by Jesus himself. Yet, if that be so, how can repentance be construed as good news or as pretext for rejoicing? (See Luke 3:18). The invocation by John the Baptist of the words of Isaiah the prophet furnish further weight to the Baptist's message and clarify that the repentance called for is no private, pietistic or simply individualistic effort but is related to the Judgment of the nation and, indeed, to the destiny of the whole of Creation, (Luke 3:4-6), and even as the Matthew text, cited above, links repentance to the imminence of the kingdom of heaven. The eschatological emphasis becomes very concrete as John addresses the "brood of vipers" concerning "the wrath to come." (Luke 3:7b).

• He is admonishing the nation-the "children of Abraham"-about the Judgment of this world impending in the coming of Christ. Does this recall the passage studied in Session One? (Luke 21:25-36).

• Are there significant similarities between that text and the present one? Consider, for instance, Luke 3:9 compared to Luke 21:29-33. Are there more similarities? Or differences?

• Consider, as well, other passages in the New Testament which may have bearing upon the study text; for example, compare Luke 3:8 with Luke l; 38-40. What do these citations affirm about the character and authority of the Lord who is coming?