Luke 3 Lesson

OBEDIENCE

In the third chapter of his Gospel, Luke writes about:

1. The ministry of John the Baptist,
2. The baptism of Jesus,
3. The complete genealogy of Jesus going back to Adam in the Garden of Eden.

In today’s lesson, we will continue the theme of obedience, specifically as it relates to the baptism of Jesus.

THE BAPTISM OF JESUS

Mathew records the baptism of Jesus in the following scripture. As you read Mathew’s account of this important day in history, notice how John the Baptist initially tried to prevent Jesus from being baptized. Then ask yourself, “Why was it important for Jesus to be baptized?”

• “Then Jesus arrived from Galilee at the Jordan coming to John, to be baptized by him.  But John tried to prevent Him, saying, “I have need to be baptized by You, and do You come to me?”  But Jesus answering said to him, “Permit it at this time; for in this way it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he permitted Him.  After being baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened, and He saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove and lighting on Him, and behold, a voice out of the heavens said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased.” – Mathew 3:13-17.

WHY WAS JESUS BAPTIZED?

Jesus said that He was baptized, “To fulfill all righteousness.” In other words, because it was the right thing to do. God’s reaction to Jesus being baptized is captured in the following verse:

• “You are My beloved Son, in You I am well-pleased.” – Luke 3:17.

There are two things that we can learn from the baptism of Jesus:

1. Jesus was baptized because it was the right thing to do (“To fulfill all righteousness”),
2. It pleased God that Jesus was baptized (“This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased”).

Are those enough reasons to be baptized? Absolutely! What could be more important than doing what is right, and what pleases God? 

HOW OLD WAS JESUS WHEN HE WAS BAPTIZED? 

Jesus was approximately thirty years old when He was baptized.   That is worth noting.    We can estimate how old Jesus was when He was baptized by looking at the following two scriptures:

1. Jesus was also baptized, and while He was praying, heaven was opened,  and the Holy Spirit descended upon Him in bodily form like a dove, and a voice came out of heaven, ‘You are My beloved Son, in You I am well-pleased.’” – Luke 3:21-22,
2. “When He began His ministry, Jesus Himself was about thirty years of age.” – Luke 3:23.

The fact that these verses follow one another is significant because Luke wrote his gospel in chronological order, as he pointed to us in the following scripture:

• “It seemed fitting for me as well, having investigated everything carefully from the beginning, to write it out for you in consecutive order , most excellent Theophilus; so that you may know the exact truth about the things you have been taught.” – Luke 1:3-4.

Is it significant that Jesus was not baptized as an infant?  

The Bible does not answer that question directly.   It simply says that His baptism was permitted, “ To fulfill all righteousness.”–Mathew 3:15.   It is in that same Spirit that we are to be baptized today.

BIBLE VERSES ABOUT BAPTISM

The four scriptures below teach us that baptism isnecessary for salvation,and a requirement for us to enter into the kingdom of God:

1. When we repent and are baptized, our sins are forgiven.  “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.” – Acts 2:38a,
2. We receive the Holy Spirit when we are baptized.   “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” – Acts 2:38b,
3. It is required to enter the kingdom of God.  Jesus said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” – John 3:5,
4. Baptism, along with belief in Jesus saves us.  “He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned.” –Mark 16:16.

THE OBEDIENCE OF JESUS

It pleases God when we obey His commands.   Consider God’s reaction when Jesus was baptized:

• The Holy Spirit descended upon Him in bodily form like a dove, and a voice came out of heaven, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased.” – Luke 3:22.

Jesus always did what was right! He obeyed God even when it was difficult. God asks us to do the same.

BIBLE VERSES ABOUT OBEDIENCE

It is important to God that we understand His commandments and then work to keep them. We will not always succeed, but we must try! The character is in the trying.

1. “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” -   John 14:15,
2. But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men.” - Acts 5:29,
3. “As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance” - 1 Peter 1:14,
4. “For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome.” - 1 John 5:3, 
5. “If you consent and obey, you will eat the best of the land.” - Isaiah 1:19.

CONCLUSION

When we obey God, it pleases Him, and we will be blessed. Not with material things, but in much more significant ways!

When we obey God, we strengthen our relationship with Him, and we plant our feet firmly on the path that leads to Heaven. James wrote about this in the following scripture:

• “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” - James 4:8.

The opposite also holds true.

When we disobey God, we draw further away from Him (Isaiah 59:2) and lessen our chances of going to Heaven.  

Jesus obeyed His Father even when it was difficult to do so. One of the ways that Jesus was obedient was in baptism.   Like Jesus, we are to be obedient to God’s commands.   While none of us will keep them perfectly, we are to try with a sincere heart and righteous intentions.   When we do this, we will be blessed.

We will conclude today’s lesson with the following scripture:

• “Blessed is the person who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers!  But his delight is in the Law of the Lord, and on His Law he meditates day and night.  He will be like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither; and in whatever he does, he prospers.” - Psalm 1:1-3.