6: The Baptism, Genealogy, and Temptations of Jesus (Lk 3:21-4:13)

I.       The Basics

A.     Setting

After completing his ministry, John was put in prison by Herod. Luke makes a clear shift from John’s ministry to that of Jesus by mentioning John’s imprisonment before Jesus’ baptism. Although John was a key figure in the baptism of Jesus, Luke does not mention John at all. The narrative now focuses on Jesus. He comes on the scene as a man who was baptized with all the people, who had a genealogy, and who went through temptations. But He was more than a human being. In these opening accounts of Jesus’ ministry, we see Him as the perfect man who was also the Son of God.

B.     Key Verse

            “And the Holy Spirit descended in bodily form like a dove upon Him, and a voice came from heaven which said, ‘You are My beloved Son; in You I am well pleased’” (3:22).

            “Then Jesus, being filled with the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness” (4:1).

II.    Observation

A.     Outline

(3:21-22)

(3:23-38)

(4:1-13)

B.     Key Words/Phrases

III. General Analysis

1.   How does each of the 3 sections in this passage demonstrate both Jesus’ humanity and deity?

1a. His baptism

1b. His genealogy

1c. His temptation

IV.  Segment Analysis

A.     3:21-22

1. What is the purpose of Jesus’ baptism? Did He also need to repent?

2. Why is it significant that Jesus also was baptized while all the people were baptized?

3a. What events took place while Jesus prayed?

3b. What is the meaning of these events?

4. How can we be God’s beloved children?

B.     3:23-38

5.  Compare and contrast this genealogy with the one recorded in Matthew.

6. What is the purpose for the inclusion of Jesus’ genealogy?

C.     4:1-13

7a. Under what circumstance was Jesus tempted?

7b. What does this teach us?

8. Jesus was led by the Holy Spirit into the wilderness. Why must Jesus go through temptations?

9a. What traps was the devil laying down with each of his temptations?

9b. What are the common characteristics of temptations?

9c.  How are these three temptations similar to temptations we face today?

10. Explain each of Jesus’ responses to the devil’s temptations.

11. All the earthly authority and glory have been delivered to Satan, and he gives it to whomever he wishes (6). What does this fact teach you?

12a. What was the difference between Satan’s and Jesus’ use of the Scripture?

12b. What does this teach us about our attitude toward God’s word?

13. Learning from the example of Jesus, what enables us to overcome temptations?

14. “Now when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from Him