Luke 3
Summary. This chapter introduces John as the messenger of the Lord, his work, and his interactions with people and the Lord Jesus. The chapter also presents the lineage of Joseph, the earthly caretaker of the beloved Son of God. Luke 3:1-6. John, the son of Zachariah, is introduced as the messenger of the Lord, preaching the baptism of repentance unto remission of sins, and is linked to the words of Isaiah, the prophet. Luke 3:7-14, Luke 3:18-20. John baptizes multitudes of people and teaches them the way to be, preparing the way of the Lord. However, Herod imprisons him. Luke 3:15-17. As the messenger of the Lord, John points people to the Lord Jesus as the One who baptizes with the Holy Spirit and fire. Luke 3:21-22. The Lord Jesus is baptized in water by John, the Holy Spirit descends upon the Lord Jesus, and the Father’s Voice from heaven identifies Him as His beloved Son. Luke 3:23-38. We are given the genealogy of Joseph, the caretaker of the Lord Jesus, from Heli, the true father of Joseph, to David through Nathan, to Abraham, and to Adam, to show that the Lord keeps His promises to David and Abraham and that Joseph cannot be the birth father of the Lord Jesus; Joseph is just the Lord Jesus’ earthly caretaker.
[1]
Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene,
Comments Luke 3:1
At the beginning of this chapter, the Lord gives details about the leaders of people at that time; none of them had a heart for the Lord God Almighty. But in all evil they will do, the Lord’s blessing will overshadow them all.
“Now in the fifteenth year …” In this place, the year is mentioned to specify the time that the Lord’s work begins with His messenger.
“Now in the fifteenth year …” In this place, the year is mentioned to specify the time that the Lord’s work begins with His messenger.
[2]
in the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness.
Comments Luke 3:2
For verses 2-17, see Comments Matthew 3:1-12 and Comments Mark 1:2-8.
“In the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas.” People appointed high priests to serve the Lord, but they forgot to consider whether the Lord approved of them as well. Both of these priests were approved by humans but not by God.
Q: Why did the Lord bring these two and present them both here as high priests? A: When both names have been put down, we should notice that neither of them was the name the Lord had chosen to be His high priest at that time. We can see this in the work they have done; their main purpose was to interrupt the Lord’s work, and later this becomes clear.
“The word of God came to John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness.” This verse connects to the previous verses, and now we see why John has lived alone in the wilderness. John’s mind is clear to hear the voice of the Lord, and he is the messenger of the Lord.
“In the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas.” People appointed high priests to serve the Lord, but they forgot to consider whether the Lord approved of them as well. Both of these priests were approved by humans but not by God.
Q: Why did the Lord bring these two and present them both here as high priests? A: When both names have been put down, we should notice that neither of them was the name the Lord had chosen to be His high priest at that time. We can see this in the work they have done; their main purpose was to interrupt the Lord’s work, and later this becomes clear.
“The word of God came to John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness.” This verse connects to the previous verses, and now we see why John has lived alone in the wilderness. John’s mind is clear to hear the voice of the Lord, and he is the messenger of the Lord.
[3]
And he went into all the surrounding region of the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance unto remission of sins;
Comments Luke 3:1-3
See Comments Matthew 3:1-2.
“Repentance unto remission of sins.” We can clearly see what John has told people: they are to come to receive forgiveness of sins from the Lord. John, as a messenger of the Lord, has begun the work by preparing the way for people to come to the Lord and pointing them to where they should go to receive forgiveness of sins. Later on, he tells people more clearly that the Lord Jesus is the Man he is referring to.
“Repentance unto remission of sins.” We can clearly see what John has told people: they are to come to receive forgiveness of sins from the Lord. John, as a messenger of the Lord, has begun the work by preparing the way for people to come to the Lord and pointing them to where they should go to receive forgiveness of sins. Later on, he tells people more clearly that the Lord Jesus is the Man he is referring to.
[4]
as it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet,
The voice of one crying in the wilderness,
Make ready the way of theLord ,
MakeH is paths straight.
The voice of one crying in the wilderness,
Make ready the way of the
Make
Comments Luke 3:4
Cited from Isaiah 40:3. See Comments Matthew 3:3 and Comments Mark 1:2-3.
Verses 4 and 5 are quoted from Isaiah and refer to John and what his duty is as the messenger of the Lord. Many people use this verse (verse 4) in the wrong way, but truly, this verse refers to John’s duty.
“The voice of one crying in the wilderness.” This saying applies to John as the messenger of the Lord.
“Make ready the way of the Lord.” This verse clearly tells us John’s duty: he tells people how they should behave to be ready to receive the begotten Son of God, who is coming soon. His duty is to call people to come to the Lord Jesus.
“Make His paths straight.” “Straight” in the sense of direct. The duty of John, through his message, is to point to the Lord Jesus so that people can recognize Him. John’s duty is to directly identify the Lord Jesus to the people, so they know who He is. The path to the Lord Jesus is straight and direct through the message of John.
Verses 4 and 5 are quoted from Isaiah and refer to John and what his duty is as the messenger of the Lord. Many people use this verse (verse 4) in the wrong way, but truly, this verse refers to John’s duty.
“The voice of one crying in the wilderness.” This saying applies to John as the messenger of the Lord.
“Make ready the way of the Lord.” This verse clearly tells us John’s duty: he tells people how they should behave to be ready to receive the begotten Son of God, who is coming soon. His duty is to call people to come to the Lord Jesus.
“Make His paths straight.” “Straight” in the sense of direct. The duty of John, through his message, is to point to the Lord Jesus so that people can recognize Him. John’s duty is to directly identify the Lord Jesus to the people, so they know who He is. The path to the Lord Jesus is straight and direct through the message of John.
[5]
Every valley will be filled,
And every mountain and hill will be made low;
And the crooked will become straight,
And the rough ways smooth;
And every mountain and hill will be made low;
And the crooked will become straight,
And the rough ways smooth;
Comments Luke 3:5
Cited from Isaiah 40: 4. This verse refers to the work of the Lord in people’s hearts after they listen to the message of John.
“Every valley will be filled, and every mountain and hill will be made low.” This part of the verse is found in Isaiah 40:4a as “every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low,” having the same meaning. In Isaiah, “lifted up” is in the sense of raised up or filled, because when it is filled, everything will rise up. When the glory of the beloved Son of God has shone through all the mountains (heart’s troubles), His glory will make straight all the land; no matter what the situation has been, it will be straight as the Lord will clear off all the obstacles. All the hearts that drop down with humility will be raised up to receive the glory of the beloved Son of God.
“And the crooked will become straight, and the rough ways smooth.” This part of the verse is given in Isaiah 40:4b as “the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain,” having the same meaning. In Isaiah, “uneven ground” means being crooked, not leveled, but up and down. This part of the verse refers to the heart of the soul itself. When a human soul lacks peace, it disrupts the path of communication with the Holy Spirit. When the heart obeys the deep voice that is telling the meaning of John’s message, the heart that receives the message will be filled with the understanding from the Holy Spirit.
“Every valley will be filled, and every mountain and hill will be made low.” This part of the verse is found in Isaiah 40:4a as “every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low,” having the same meaning. In Isaiah, “lifted up” is in the sense of raised up or filled, because when it is filled, everything will rise up. When the glory of the beloved Son of God has shone through all the mountains (heart’s troubles), His glory will make straight all the land; no matter what the situation has been, it will be straight as the Lord will clear off all the obstacles. All the hearts that drop down with humility will be raised up to receive the glory of the beloved Son of God.
“And the crooked will become straight, and the rough ways smooth.” This part of the verse is given in Isaiah 40:4b as “the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain,” having the same meaning. In Isaiah, “uneven ground” means being crooked, not leveled, but up and down. This part of the verse refers to the heart of the soul itself. When a human soul lacks peace, it disrupts the path of communication with the Holy Spirit. When the heart obeys the deep voice that is telling the meaning of John’s message, the heart that receives the message will be filled with the understanding from the Holy Spirit.
[6]
And all flesh will see the salvation of God .
Comments Luke 3:6
This verse is cited from Isaiah 40:5, where it reads, “and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together,” which has the same meaning.
“And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed” refers to the Lord Jesus’ coming in human form, when the beloved Son of God takes human flesh on Him.
“And all flesh shall see it together” has two meanings. First, when the beloved Son of God was born in human form, many humans saw God in the flesh, and second, that the beloved Son is the salvation from God to humans.
“And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed” refers to the Lord Jesus’ coming in human form, when the beloved Son of God takes human flesh on Him.
“And all flesh shall see it together” has two meanings. First, when the beloved Son of God was born in human form, many humans saw God in the flesh, and second, that the beloved Son is the salvation from God to humans.
[7]
He said therefore to the multitudes that came out to be baptized by him, Offspring of vipers, who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?
[8]
Produce therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham as our father; for I say to you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children to Abraham.
Comments Luke 3:7-8
See Comments Matthew 3:7-9.
This gospel tells us that John addressed the multitudes with this saying (see verses 7-8). In contrast, the Gospel of Matthew tells us that this saying from John was addressed only to the Pharisees and Sadducees who came to him to be baptized. Luke used the term “multitudes” for a reason; this term conveys a broader meaning and includes all those groups that consider themselves righteous in the eyes of the Lord. As it says in verse 8, they are all children of Abraham, because all the Jews consider themselves in that way. And that is why the term “multitudes” is used.
“Offspring of vipers.” Think of the viper snake itself; its tongue is split in two. The ones that have acted as vipers, at one moment they are glorifying the Lord, and then they are crucifying the Lord of life; those are the offspring of the vipers.
“Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come.” The multitudes have come to John because they were expecting John to provide the way for them, but he is not the way; he is just the messenger. But when the way to be saved has come, they have rejected the Lord of life.
This gospel tells us that John addressed the multitudes with this saying (see verses 7-8). In contrast, the Gospel of Matthew tells us that this saying from John was addressed only to the Pharisees and Sadducees who came to him to be baptized. Luke used the term “multitudes” for a reason; this term conveys a broader meaning and includes all those groups that consider themselves righteous in the eyes of the Lord. As it says in verse 8, they are all children of Abraham, because all the Jews consider themselves in that way. And that is why the term “multitudes” is used.
“Offspring of vipers.” Think of the viper snake itself; its tongue is split in two. The ones that have acted as vipers, at one moment they are glorifying the Lord, and then they are crucifying the Lord of life; those are the offspring of the vipers.
“Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come.” The multitudes have come to John because they were expecting John to provide the way for them, but he is not the way; he is just the messenger. But when the way to be saved has come, they have rejected the Lord of life.
[9]
And even now the axe also lies at the root of the trees; every tree therefore producing not good fruit is cut down and cast into the fire.
Comments Luke 3:9
See Comments Matthew 3:10.
In this verse, John gives a general warning to all humans: both men and women should be ready and waiting for the Lord of Life, who is coming soon. The final judgment day will come to all humans, and all their deeds and thoughts will be accounted for.
In this verse, John gives a general warning to all humans: both men and women should be ready and waiting for the Lord of Life, who is coming soon. The final judgment day will come to all humans, and all their deeds and thoughts will be accounted for.
[10]
And the multitudes asked him, saying, What then shall we do?
[11]
And he answered and said to them, The one that has two tunics, let him impart to the one that has none; and the one that has food, let him do likewise.
Comments Luke 3:10-11
John is a messenger of the Lord and tells people what the Lord has given him. From this verse, we can clearly see what the Lord expects of humans toward one another: they should be generous toward one another, as the word says here.
[12]
And also came tax collectors to be baptized, and they said to him, Teacher, what shall we do?
[13]
And he said to them, Collect nothing more beyond that which is appointed to you.
Comments Luke 3:12-13
These verses tell us that we should do things only as required by our duty.
[14]
And soldiers also asked him, saying, And we, what shall we also do? And he said to them, Extort from no one, neither accuse anyone falsely; and be content with your wages.
Comments Luke 3:14
In this verse, we can concentrate on “be content with your wages”. We should be pleased with what the Lord provides. The Lord helps us to make a living; some may get more, some less, but all should be content and give thanks to the Lord.
[15]
And as the people were in expectation, and all reasoned in their hearts concerning John, whether perhaps he might be the Christ ;
[16]
John answered, saying to all, I indeed baptize you with water; but there comes He that is mightier than I, the lace of His sandals I am not worthy to untie; He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire,
Comments Luke 3:16
See Comments Matthew 3:11 and Comments Mark 1:7-8.
John himself never lifted himself up in any way. In this place, we clearly see how humble John is and how he glorifies the beloved Son of God. He tells all that the Holy One of God is coming, and that He deserves all the praise, and that the Holy Son of God is the One who gives them the Holy Spirit.
Insert. Q: Some argue that the manifestation of baptism in the Holy Spirit, evidenced by speaking in tongues, creates a hierarchy among Christians, suggesting that some are more spiritual than others, which should not be the case. A: Speaking in tongues for all Christians is a sign of individual spiritual blessing, and not everyone has the same blessing, but each individual is blessed as they are searching and asking the Lord. The blessing is upon the purpose of the deep inner heart and what that person really wants that gift for. Think of the passage in the Bible where it says that each part of the body has its own duty. What will the rest of the body be like if you take one part out? (See 1 Corinthians 12:12-27).
John himself never lifted himself up in any way. In this place, we clearly see how humble John is and how he glorifies the beloved Son of God. He tells all that the Holy One of God is coming, and that He deserves all the praise, and that the Holy Son of God is the One who gives them the Holy Spirit.
Insert. Q: Some argue that the manifestation of baptism in the Holy Spirit, evidenced by speaking in tongues, creates a hierarchy among Christians, suggesting that some are more spiritual than others, which should not be the case. A: Speaking in tongues for all Christians is a sign of individual spiritual blessing, and not everyone has the same blessing, but each individual is blessed as they are searching and asking the Lord. The blessing is upon the purpose of the deep inner heart and what that person really wants that gift for. Think of the passage in the Bible where it says that each part of the body has its own duty. What will the rest of the body be like if you take one part out? (See 1 Corinthians 12:12-27).
[17]
whose winnowing fork is in His hand, thoroughly to cleanse His threshing floor, and to gather the wheat into H is barn; but the chaff He will burn up with unquenchable fire.
Comments Luke 3:17
See Comments Matthew 3:12.
This verse tells all that the beloved Son of God is the One who has the authority to bring those who are worthy into His kingdom, but at the same time, the beloved Son of God has the authority to throw all those blasphemous souls into the lake of fire that cannot be stopped. In that lake of fire, the flames are stronger than the sun itself, and there, everything will burn until it is all gone, even the ashes.
This verse tells all that the beloved Son of God is the One who has the authority to bring those who are worthy into His kingdom, but at the same time, the beloved Son of God has the authority to throw all those blasphemous souls into the lake of fire that cannot be stopped. In that lake of fire, the flames are stronger than the sun itself, and there, everything will burn until it is all gone, even the ashes.
[18]
With many other exhortations therefore preached he the gospel to the people;
Comments Luke 3:18
Look at the term “many other exhortations”; therefore, John has received many warnings and teachings to prepare the people to receive the beloved Son of God.
[19]
but Herod the tetrarch, being reproved by him about Herodias his brother's wife, and about all the evil things which Herod had done,
[20]
added this also to them all, that he shut up John in prison.
Comments Luke 3:19-20
See Comments Matthew 14:3-5 and Comments Mark 6:14-29.
The account of John the Baptist’s imprisonment in the Gospel of Luke is given here in these two verses and in Luke 9:9. The Bible does not give much detail about John’s life and death, not because he is not important, but because John has performed his duty as the messenger of the Lord; John has fulfilled the job he received. The details of John’s life need not be given further because his purpose in being born was only to be a messenger of the Lord.
The account of John the Baptist’s imprisonment in the Gospel of Luke is given here in these two verses and in Luke 9:9. The Bible does not give much detail about John’s life and death, not because he is not important, but because John has performed his duty as the messenger of the Lord; John has fulfilled the job he received. The details of John’s life need not be given further because his purpose in being born was only to be a messenger of the Lord.
[21]
Now it came to pass, when all the people were baptized, that, Jesus also having been baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened,
[22]
and the Holy Spirit descended in a bodily form, as a dove, upon Him , and a V oice came out of heaven, Thou are My beloved Son ; in T hee I am well pleased.
Comments Luke 3:21-22
See Comments Matthew 3:13-17 and Comments Mark 1:9-11.
Note. The original Gospel of Luke has verse 22 as given here. Specifically, “in Thee I am well pleased” is the original saying. The rendering of “today I have begotten You” was not in the original gospel; it is a later alteration.
All the Gospels describe this event. However, when the beloved Son of God has received the baptism, each Gospel may say slightly differently, but the meaning will be the same. Specifically, when it refers to what the Father has said, the details will be the same in all the Gospels. The most important thing to think and meditate about is: “a Voice came out of heaven, Thou are My beloved Son; in Thee I am well pleased.” This act and the spoken words are the most important part of this event. This verse itself confirms the deity of the beloved Son of God; it affirms that the Lord Jesus is the beloved Son of God and He is the only begotten Son of God.
Q: How can we understand the concept of the Holy Spirit proceeding within the Trinity of God? In John 15:26, the Bible says, “When the Intercessor comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, He will bear witness concerning Me.” A: The concept of the Holy Spirit proceeding has been debated for many generations. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of the Father, but the beloved Son of God is One with the Father, so the Holy Spirit becomes the Spirit of both as well. However, from the beginning, the Holy Spirit is from the Father since the Son was within the Father. So, when discussing the Holy Spirit proceeding, we should think of proceeding from the Father and the Son because the Father and the begotten Son are Two in One, which is why the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father and the Son.
As given in the Bible, the proceeding of the Holy Spirit can be viewed within two eras: the era before the beloved Son, the Lord Jesus, became human on earth and until the crucifixion, and the era after the bodily resurrection of the beloved Son of God (see article titled, The Holy Spirit Proceeding. The Son of God has also been since the beginning, but what we say here refers to the period after the Son’s resurrection. When the beloved Son of God took human form, He was almost at the point of being cut off from the Father, yet He was also in two states at once. He was still with the Father, and He was here on earth as a human as well. Because the human form itself is sinful, that is why we say the Son of God was almost at the point of being cut off from the Father.
The Bible says that the Father loves His beloved Son because He is willing to take the human form. Before the beloved Son of God comes to earth, the Father and the Son are One, as one unit together. But when the beloved Son of God was resurrected, He restored the state that was almost apart from the Father and was reunited as a complete One again with the Father. This state we talk about, which He has given back, is the state of breathing as a human. He has given up the need to breathe. His human body and heavenly body are now united together and are seated with the Father in heaven as One.
Note. The original Gospel of Luke has verse 22 as given here. Specifically, “in Thee I am well pleased” is the original saying. The rendering of “today I have begotten You” was not in the original gospel; it is a later alteration.
All the Gospels describe this event. However, when the beloved Son of God has received the baptism, each Gospel may say slightly differently, but the meaning will be the same. Specifically, when it refers to what the Father has said, the details will be the same in all the Gospels. The most important thing to think and meditate about is: “a Voice came out of heaven, Thou are My beloved Son; in Thee I am well pleased.” This act and the spoken words are the most important part of this event. This verse itself confirms the deity of the beloved Son of God; it affirms that the Lord Jesus is the beloved Son of God and He is the only begotten Son of God.
Q: How can we understand the concept of the Holy Spirit proceeding within the Trinity of God? In John 15:26, the Bible says, “When the Intercessor comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, He will bear witness concerning Me.” A: The concept of the Holy Spirit proceeding has been debated for many generations. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of the Father, but the beloved Son of God is One with the Father, so the Holy Spirit becomes the Spirit of both as well. However, from the beginning, the Holy Spirit is from the Father since the Son was within the Father. So, when discussing the Holy Spirit proceeding, we should think of proceeding from the Father and the Son because the Father and the begotten Son are Two in One, which is why the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father and the Son.
As given in the Bible, the proceeding of the Holy Spirit can be viewed within two eras: the era before the beloved Son, the Lord Jesus, became human on earth and until the crucifixion, and the era after the bodily resurrection of the beloved Son of God (see article titled, The Holy Spirit Proceeding. The Son of God has also been since the beginning, but what we say here refers to the period after the Son’s resurrection. When the beloved Son of God took human form, He was almost at the point of being cut off from the Father, yet He was also in two states at once. He was still with the Father, and He was here on earth as a human as well. Because the human form itself is sinful, that is why we say the Son of God was almost at the point of being cut off from the Father.
The Bible says that the Father loves His beloved Son because He is willing to take the human form. Before the beloved Son of God comes to earth, the Father and the Son are One, as one unit together. But when the beloved Son of God was resurrected, He restored the state that was almost apart from the Father and was reunited as a complete One again with the Father. This state we talk about, which He has given back, is the state of breathing as a human. He has given up the need to breathe. His human body and heavenly body are now united together and are seated with the Father in heaven as One.
[23]
And Jesus Himself , was beginning to be about thirty years, being the Son , as was supposed, of Joseph the [son] of Heli,
Comments Luke 3:23
This verse links to the verse before.
“And Jesus Himself, was beginning to be about thirty years.” This verse tells us that the Lord Jesus is about thirty years old when the event in verse 22 happens. But humans begin to notice the beloved Son of God because of the many miracles He performs and the teachings He holds. He has always told all people who humans should worship. No human on earth deserves praise, but only the Father of heaven.
“And Jesus Himself, was beginning to be about thirty years.” This verse tells us that the Lord Jesus is about thirty years old when the event in verse 22 happens. But humans begin to notice the beloved Son of God because of the many miracles He performs and the teachings He holds. He has always told all people who humans should worship. No human on earth deserves praise, but only the Father of heaven.
[24]
the [son] of Matthat, the [son] of Levi, the [son] of Melchi, the [son] of Jannai, the [son] of Joseph,
[25]
the [son] of Mattathias, the [son] of Amos, the [son] of Nahum, the [son] of Esli, the [son] of Naggai,
[26]
the [son] of Maath, the [son] of Mattathias, the [son] of Semein, the [son] of Josech, the [son] of Joda,
[27]
the [son] of Joannen, the [son] of Rhesa, the [son] of Zerubbabel, the [son] of Shealtiel, the [son] of Neri,
[28]
the [son] of Melchi, the [son] of Addi, the [son] of Cosam, the [son] of Elmadam, the [son] of Er,
[29]
the [son] of Joshua, the [son] of Eliezer, the [son] of Jorim, the [son] of Matthat, the [son] of Levi,
[30]
the [son] of Simeon, the [son] of Judas, the [son] of Joseph, the [son] of Jonam, the [son] of Eliakim,
[31]
the [son] of Melea, the [son] of Menna, the [son] of Mattatha, the [son] of Nathan, the [son] of David,
[32]
the [son] of Jesse, the [son] of Obed, the [son] of Boaz, the [son] of Sala, the [son] of Nahshon,
[33]
the [son] of Amminadab, the [son] of Admin, the [son] of Arni, the [son] of Hezron, the [son] of Perez, the [son] of Judah,
[34]
the [son] of Jacob, the [son] of Isaac, the [son] of Abraham, the [son] of Terah, the [son] of Nahor,
[35]
the [son] of Serug, the [son] of Reu, the [son] of Peleg, the [son] of Heber, the [son] of Shelah
[36]
the [son] of Cainan, the [son] of Arphaxad, the [son] of Shem, the [son] of Noah, the [son] of Lamech,
[37]
the [son] of Methuselah, the [son] of Enoch, the [son] of Jared, the [son] of Mahalaleel, the [son] of Cainan,
[38]
the [son] of Enosh, the [son] of Seth, the [son] of Adam, the [son] of God .
Comments Luke 3:23-38
“And Jesus Himself, was beginning to be about thirty years.” In this verse, it tells all that the Lord of life Himself is a true human. The beloved Son of God has come in the form of a baby, and He did use the life of a human until a certain age, until He is mature, as human terms would call it, until prime age. And then the beloved Son of God began teaching all humans the way to be saved and go to heaven.
“Being the Son, as was supposed, of Joseph, the [son] of Heli.” The Bible clearly tells us that Joseph is the caretaker of the beloved Son of God. Joseph is a common man, but he and all his earthly family have been blessed because of his duty towards the beloved Son of God.
For verses 23-38, see also Comments Matthew 1:1-16. For verses 23-38, see also Comments Matthew 1:1-16. In the Gospel of Matthew, the lineage of the Lord Jesus is traced from Abraham down to Joseph to emphasize the Lord Jesus’ Jewish heritage; this lineage in Matthew shows that the Lord Jesus is truly Jewish. In the Gospel of Luke, the lineage of the Lord Jesus is traced from Joseph back to Adam because Adam is the first human the Lord created. The beloved Son of God must be human as well, which is why the Lord Jesus must be linked back to Adam. In both Gospels, the earthly lineage of the Lord Jesus is traced through Joseph, his earthly caretaker. At first, Joseph had a duty as a caretaker towards the beloved Son of God, so the Bible gives Joseph’s lineage to confirm to all humans that Joseph himself cannot be the real father of the beloved Son of God. In this place, “confirm” refers to confirming common human nature; Joseph is just a simple human. And then, the Bible gives details about Joseph’s life, as his work on earth, a man working with his hands, to show that the beloved Son of God lived the way humans live. The beloved Son of God, in human form, has learned to use the hands as humans do and knows what humans go through while living on earth.
Q: Why doesn’t the Bible provide the true human lineage of the Lord Jesus through Mary? A: If the Bible gives the lineage of Mary, humans will make her lineage more important than it should be. And now we have seen what happened: Mary has become, for some, the root of the way to worship the beloved Son of God. If the Bible gives all her lineage, then all her lineage will become the root to go to worship the beloved Son of God Himself, which is not supposed to be the way for humans to worship. Mary herself has already received the honor, and her lineage should not be involved in the work that the Lord has for humans through the Son of God. Even though Mary herself is the one who carried the beloved Son of God in her womb, Mary’s soul can be saved only through true faith in the Son of God.
Support for tracing the lineages through the man is in the Bible as well. In the Bible, when genealogies are traced back to the first human, the trace is linked back to Adam, not to Eve. For the Lord, there is a difference between man and woman in this respect. It is the same way when it comes to the beloved Son of God: the lineage does not go through Mary, nor does it go through Joseph, the caretaker of the Lord. But, all things account only for Mary as the mother who carried the Lord, because the Lord must be born through a woman to be completely one hundred percent human. Still, her lineage need not be mentioned. Because the way Mary conceived is not a normal human way, the Lord did not give any of her lineage in the Bible.
But humans forget to think who the true Father of the beloved Son of God is. And the Father keeps all his promises to humans: the Lord Jesus’ linage through Joseph will be linked to David (Luke 3:31 and Matthew 1:6), and to Abraham as well (Luke 3:34 and Matthew 1:1). The lineage to David is given through Nathan the son of David in the Gospel of Luke and through Solomon the son of David in the Gospel of Matthew (see Comments Matthew 1:7). The lineage in the Gospel of Matthew is traced back from Solomon to the adoptive father of Joseph, who is Jacob (see Comments Matthew 1:16). The lineage in the Gospel of Luke is traced back from Nathan to the real father of Joseph, who is Heli (see Comments Matthew 1:16). We know that the lineage in Luke is the lineage from the real father of Joseph since the lineage in Matthew goes through Jechoniah (see Comments Matthew 1:11).
Q: Why are there two different lineages presented in these Gospels? Why is the lineage from Joseph’s adoptive father also necessary? A: These two Gospels give different lineages of the Lord Jesus for a purpose to point out; each lineage has its own purpose of work. But both lineages need to be told to reduce the confusion of the person who will work for the Lord. Neither Gospel gives specific details about the adoptive or real father of Joseph, but in the historical record itself, some details have been recorded. Joseph, as a caretaker of the beloved Son of God, has himself been taught in the way of earthly living, as in that time of life, when people worked with their hands. Joseph himself has been taught to work with his hands and be connected with nature. When he was married to Mary and Mary herself had conceived the beloved Son of God through the Holy Spirit, Joseph, as the earthly caretaker, had the duty to teach the beloved Son the way humans living at that time lived. Joseph worked with his hands, and the Lord of life himself would learn to use his hands for living, as all humans in that time did.
“Being the Son, as was supposed, of Joseph, the [son] of Heli.” The Bible clearly tells us that Joseph is the caretaker of the beloved Son of God. Joseph is a common man, but he and all his earthly family have been blessed because of his duty towards the beloved Son of God.
For verses 23-38, see also Comments Matthew 1:1-16. For verses 23-38, see also Comments Matthew 1:1-16. In the Gospel of Matthew, the lineage of the Lord Jesus is traced from Abraham down to Joseph to emphasize the Lord Jesus’ Jewish heritage; this lineage in Matthew shows that the Lord Jesus is truly Jewish. In the Gospel of Luke, the lineage of the Lord Jesus is traced from Joseph back to Adam because Adam is the first human the Lord created. The beloved Son of God must be human as well, which is why the Lord Jesus must be linked back to Adam. In both Gospels, the earthly lineage of the Lord Jesus is traced through Joseph, his earthly caretaker. At first, Joseph had a duty as a caretaker towards the beloved Son of God, so the Bible gives Joseph’s lineage to confirm to all humans that Joseph himself cannot be the real father of the beloved Son of God. In this place, “confirm” refers to confirming common human nature; Joseph is just a simple human. And then, the Bible gives details about Joseph’s life, as his work on earth, a man working with his hands, to show that the beloved Son of God lived the way humans live. The beloved Son of God, in human form, has learned to use the hands as humans do and knows what humans go through while living on earth.
Q: Why doesn’t the Bible provide the true human lineage of the Lord Jesus through Mary? A: If the Bible gives the lineage of Mary, humans will make her lineage more important than it should be. And now we have seen what happened: Mary has become, for some, the root of the way to worship the beloved Son of God. If the Bible gives all her lineage, then all her lineage will become the root to go to worship the beloved Son of God Himself, which is not supposed to be the way for humans to worship. Mary herself has already received the honor, and her lineage should not be involved in the work that the Lord has for humans through the Son of God. Even though Mary herself is the one who carried the beloved Son of God in her womb, Mary’s soul can be saved only through true faith in the Son of God.
Support for tracing the lineages through the man is in the Bible as well. In the Bible, when genealogies are traced back to the first human, the trace is linked back to Adam, not to Eve. For the Lord, there is a difference between man and woman in this respect. It is the same way when it comes to the beloved Son of God: the lineage does not go through Mary, nor does it go through Joseph, the caretaker of the Lord. But, all things account only for Mary as the mother who carried the Lord, because the Lord must be born through a woman to be completely one hundred percent human. Still, her lineage need not be mentioned. Because the way Mary conceived is not a normal human way, the Lord did not give any of her lineage in the Bible.
But humans forget to think who the true Father of the beloved Son of God is. And the Father keeps all his promises to humans: the Lord Jesus’ linage through Joseph will be linked to David (Luke 3:31 and Matthew 1:6), and to Abraham as well (Luke 3:34 and Matthew 1:1). The lineage to David is given through Nathan the son of David in the Gospel of Luke and through Solomon the son of David in the Gospel of Matthew (see Comments Matthew 1:7). The lineage in the Gospel of Matthew is traced back from Solomon to the adoptive father of Joseph, who is Jacob (see Comments Matthew 1:16). The lineage in the Gospel of Luke is traced back from Nathan to the real father of Joseph, who is Heli (see Comments Matthew 1:16). We know that the lineage in Luke is the lineage from the real father of Joseph since the lineage in Matthew goes through Jechoniah (see Comments Matthew 1:11).
Q: Why are there two different lineages presented in these Gospels? Why is the lineage from Joseph’s adoptive father also necessary? A: These two Gospels give different lineages of the Lord Jesus for a purpose to point out; each lineage has its own purpose of work. But both lineages need to be told to reduce the confusion of the person who will work for the Lord. Neither Gospel gives specific details about the adoptive or real father of Joseph, but in the historical record itself, some details have been recorded. Joseph, as a caretaker of the beloved Son of God, has himself been taught in the way of earthly living, as in that time of life, when people worked with their hands. Joseph himself has been taught to work with his hands and be connected with nature. When he was married to Mary and Mary herself had conceived the beloved Son of God through the Holy Spirit, Joseph, as the earthly caretaker, had the duty to teach the beloved Son the way humans living at that time lived. Joseph worked with his hands, and the Lord of life himself would learn to use his hands for living, as all humans in that time did.
Life and Faith Applications. From this chapter, we can highlight four main points for life and faith applications. 1) We need to follow the example of our Lord Jesus and baptize ourselves in water for the remission of sins in the name of the Father, the Son Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. 2) True Christians must believe in the Trinity of God, Three in One: God the Father, God the Son (Jesus Christ), and God the Holy Spirit. 3) The Lord Jesus worked with His hands as taught by His earthly caretaker until His prime age, when He began to teach the Gospel. We should work for our living and be content with what the Lord provides through our job. 4) In our jobs, we must be honest; we should only do what our duty requires.