The Greatest Example: Jesus Series

THE GREATEST EXAMPLE  

Luke 3:15-22  

Introduction

In Luke 2 we studied about Jesus’ statement that he must be about his Father’s Business. Today we will see him inaugurating his public ministry.

Dr. Luke moved quickly from the infancy of Jesus to his 12th year, and today to his 30th year. Most of what we know about Jesus is from last 3 years of life. He is about to begin his public ministry, a new beginning. What can we learn about following Jesus as disciples?  Whether you are ready to become a new Christians. Whether you are ready to rededicate yourself to Him.

John had a stirring message about Jesus in the wilderness (Luke 3:15-20). Jesus is greater than me! (Luke 3:16a “I baptize you with water. But one who is more powerful than I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.” It reminds me of John 3:30, “He must increase, but I must decrease" (NKJV).

Jesus will not only baptize with water! “He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” (LK 3:16b). Various interpretations of this include the coming day of Pentecost in Acts 2, The judgment, or a fire refines and purifies the people.

Jesus will both gather and burn (Lk 3:17 “His 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.’). A warning to those who reject Christ. A promise to those who follow Christ. Because of his message of repentance and truth, Herod was convicted and threw John into prison (Luke 3:19-20).

John pointed to Jesus and we want to do that too - the greatest example of all! This is where Luke tells us about the baptism of Jesus.

1. Jesus- the Greatest Example of Humility

Luke 3:21a “When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too.”

Jesus shows humble spirit when being baptized by John. All of the Gospels record the baptism of Jesus, but only Matthew reveals the discussion between John and Jesus about his baptism. John felt he should be baptized by Jesus! Jesus, however, has a bigger picture in mind.

-Jesus is not baptized to have sin removed!

-He is baptized to identify with sinners. 

-He is submitting to the will of the Father.

-He is embracing the mission of God on Earth.

-He did it for us … to teach us … and to point us to the gift of eternal life He offers!

Discipleship requires a humble spirit - not only at baptism but for the rest of our lives. We are submitting ourselves - yielding ourselves to Jesus Christ as followers, learners, apprentices. Humility admits the reality that we are all sinners without the ability to remove even one sin on our own. If we are going to follow Jesus we will have to humble ourselves and submit to His Lordship. Admitting that we need God’s help requires humility. 

Jesus got down into the muddy river to show us how to be clean. 

2. Jesus - The Greatest Example of Prayer

Luke 3:21b “And as he was praying, heaven was opened…”

Luke mentions the prayer life of Jesus more than any. Jesus was a man of prayer - we should be also. In all of the most pressurized moments of his ministry, we see Jesus in prayer.

When we pray, heaven opens and God hears.

Nehemiah 9:27 “But when they were oppressed they cried out to you. From heaven you heard them.…”

2 Chronicles 7:14 “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

1 Kings 8:30 “Hear the supplication of your servant and of your people Israel when they pray toward this place. Hear from heaven, your dwelling place, and when you hear, forgive.”

There is no greater power in the universe than a praying person. (Prayer gives us peace, hope, connection, strength.)

James 5:13 Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise.

3. Jesus - The Greatest Example of Living in the Spirit

Luke 3:22 “and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove…”

Paul encouraged us to “Keep in step with the Spirit” and Jesus demonstrated this principle in his life.

When we are baptized the Spirit comes to live within us! Acts 2:38 “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”

The Spirit-Led Life is empowered by the work of the Spirit.

-Regenerated - we are born again. John 3:5 “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit.”