The Galilean Ministry, John the Baptist and Baptism of Jesus

21/7/2020

The Galilean Ministry

List of Contents

GALILEAN MINISTRY

Luke 3:1-20

He told the people to repent and be baptized for forgiveness of their sins/ he asked people to prepare the way for the Lord.
He told them to be faithful/ obedient to God and not to have pride in Abraham as their ancestor.
He warned them of God’s punishment on sin.
He encouraged the rich to share with the needy.
He told the tax collectors not to steal/ be honest.
He told the soldiers to be contented with their wages/ stop greed.
He told the soldiers to stop robbing/ accusing people falsely/ should be truthful.
He told them that the Messiah who was to come after him was mightier/ he was unworthy to untie His sandals.
The Messiah would baptize the people with fire and the Holy Spirit.
The Messiah would separate the good from the evil/ the evil would be punished.
He condemned Herod for his adulterous life/ marrying the brother’s wife.

The teaching of John the Baptist is relevant to Christians in their lives in the following ways;

Christians should be fair and honest/just in their dealings with other people.
Christians should avoid being hypocritical in their societies.
Christians should know that God will judge us for our wrong doing.
Christians should repent their sins sincerely, seek for forgiveness and be baptized.
Christians to make the world a better place to live in by avoiding corruption, immorality and hypocrisy at all levels in society.

They lack faith in God’s word.
Division along tribal/ racial/ denominational lines affects unity among Christians.
Clinging to the past/ inability to abandon the old/ previous life style.
Negative attitude byb the rich towards the poor/ needy.
The influence of the mass media/ moral decadence in the society.
The emergence of cult leaders/ false prophets in the society/ lack of role models.
Some Christians lead hypocritical life.

b) Luke 3:21 – 22

The voice from heaven was a confirmation to Jesus that he was God’s son and that God was with him and approved his mission.
The voice affirmed that he was the promised Messiah and that people should follow him.
The Holy Spirit descended from heaven and anointed Jesus for the Messianic work he was to do.
The Holy Spirit would give him courage and guidance in what he was to do.