Luke 3:1-18

Devotionals, Articles, and Bible Study Resources on Luke 3:1-18

1In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, while Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, Herod tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene,
2during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness.
3He went into all the region around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins,
4as it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet:
“A voice of one calling in the wilderness,
‘Prepare the way for the Lord,
make straight paths for Him.
5Every valley shall be filled in,
and every mountain and hill made low.
The crooked ways shall be made straight,
and the rough ways smooth.
6And all humanity will see God’s salvation.’”
7Then John said to the crowds coming out to be baptized by him, “You brood of vipers, who warned you to flee from the coming wrath?
8Produce fruit, then, in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham.
9The axe lies ready at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.”
10The crowds asked him, “What then should we do?”
11John replied, “Whoever has two tunics should share with him who has none, and whoever has food should do the same.”
12Even tax collectors came to be baptized. “Teacher,” they asked, “what should we do?”
13“Collect no more than you are authorized,” he answered.
14Then some soldiers asked him, “And what should we do?” “Do not take money by force or false accusation,” he said. “Be content with your wages.”
15The people were waiting expectantly and were all wondering in their hearts if John could be the Christ.
16John answered all of them: “I baptize you with water, but One more powerful than I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.
17His winnowing fork is in His hand to clear His threshing floor and to gather the wheat into His barn; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”
18With these and many other exhortations, John proclaimed the good news to the people.
— Luke 3:1-18

Related Resources from Heartlight

The Reason
Article by Bill Brant

The season has a reason Centuries ago, in a small unimportant town, our salvation began with a baby's cry. We continue to search and hope for: Peace, goodwill toward men.

Is This On Your List?
Article by Larry Davies

Why put something like this on your Christmas list? Larry Davies reminds of our need to repent and get our hearts and behavior right if we are going to prepare the way for Jesus at Christmas.

Face the Mirror and Face the Music
Article by Patrick D. Odum

You mean he means me? Patrick Odum confronts us with the words of John the baptist about repentance and how we need to face ourselves honestly in the mirror.

Sorry Rocks
Article by Patrick D. Odum

What has repentance led you to change? Repentance leads us to life change, not to just doing the same ol' relgious thing each week.

Feeling Good about Feeling Bad?
Article by Mike Barres

Can you actually feel good about your sorrow for sin? This is an honest look at repentance and sorrow and life change, and reminds us that God's goal isn't our sorrow, but our reformed life.

Cross References for Luke 3:1-18

Cross References Provided by Open Bible

The Berean Standard Bible

The Berean Standard Bible (BSB) is a modern, clear, and faithful translation based on the best available Greek and Hebrew manuscripts. Ideal for reading, study, and sharing, it entered the public domain in 2023. For more information, visit berean.bible.