Session 2: Luke Chapters 3-4 Beginning a Ministry (Part 2)

Old Testament Links

Read Joshua 3:14-17. God’s people entered the promised land through the Jordan. John began his ministry there and Jesus was baptized there. Why would they choose the middle of the Jordan river to begin their ministries?

Read Numbers 4:1-4. Jesus also began his ministry at 30 years of age (3:23), serving as out priest. Yet his genealogy does not show that he was part of the Levitical line. Why would Jesus not be part of the family line that served as priests in the temple?

The first temptation, found in Genesis 3:1-13, describes the temptation as ‘good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom’ (verse 6). Compare this to the temptation of Christ in Luke 4:1-13. How are these similar episodes? What lesson should we learn from Jesus in responding to temptation?

Isaiah 61:1-2 reveals who Jesus came to serve. Read Isaiah 61 and consider Luke 4:31-44. How does Jesus demonstrate that he is the anointed one of Isaiah 61?

Application

The Word of the Lord came to John, finding him even in the wilderness (Luke 3:2). Consider the places where the Lord has come and found you, no matter where you were, and brought you to him through his words (through the Bible, other believers, music, etc…).

What do you feel called to do for Christ, your mission? Not everyone carries out their mission ‘full time’, like ministers, priests and missionaries often do. Most of us have other responsibilities on the mission field that God has given us. Share what your mission is or the people you feel called to serve. If you are not certain, talk to a leader in your church about uncovering your mission.