GOSPEL READING
THE GOSPEL OF LUKE
The Ministry of John the Baptist: Lk 3,7-20
John the Bapitzer: 3,7-14
Consider how these verses could be described as action (verses 7-9) followed by reaction (verses 10-14)
Verses 7-9: compare these verses with Mt 3,7-9, where is the difference? See also 7,29-30
How do these verses explain John's message in verse 3? Look also at Acts 3,25-26.
In verses 10-14, note that the response of the crowds is not given in Matthew's account (see also Acts 2,27). Note too how one question is repeated three times (see also 10,25; 18,18 and Acts 2,37). What might be Luke's purpose in adding these verses? What interests of the evangelist might be revealed here?
The coming Messiah: 3,15-18
What do we learn from verse 15?
How does John's reply point to the one who is to come? What is the difference between the two? Have a look at Acts 13,25 and also Acts 19,1-7
For verse 18, look at Mt 3,12-13. Note the echo of Is 40,6. Why is this verse important for Luke?
The fate of John: 3,19-20
For reasons we have seen already, Luke brings the story of John the Baptist to immediate closure. All the drama of the story of John's imprisoment and execution is found in Mark's Gospel (Mk 6,17-29). What is not stated here (see 9,9)? How do these verses act as a commentary on John's message in 3,18?
How do these two verses remind us of the beginning of the chapter?
Go now to my response.
Having now been told about John the Baptist, we can move on to Luke's opening presentation of Jesus.