John's Message of Repentance
Notes
Transcript
Handout
Luke 3:1-14
The last mention of John the Baptist in Luke’s account was his birth, marked by his father Zacharias’ praise to God for His fulfilled promise (Luke 1:67-80).
After about thirty years of silence concerning John’s life, Luke reintroduces him as a pivotal figure beginning his prophetic ministry.
To ground his account in history and convey the gravity of John’s mission, Luke lists key political and religious leaders of the time, situating John’s ministry within both a turbulent political scene and a compromised religious setting.
Background: The Political and Religious Context
Background: The Political and Religious Context
Luke introduces various leaders to establish a historical framework:
1. Tiberius Caesar ruled from A.D. 14 to 37, overseeing events such as Christ’s ministry, crucifixion, and resurrection.
Known for his cruelty and mistrust of rivals, Tiberius governed with an iron fist.
2. Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor of Judea, wielded full military and judicial power over the region.
He later played a crucial role in Jesus’ trial (John 18:28-40).
3. Herod Antipas, Tetrarch of Galilee, inherited his rule from his father, Herod the Great.
A tetrarch was a ruler of one of four divisions of a kingdom or region.
The title comes from the Greek word tetrarchēs, which means "ruler of a quarter."
It was this Herod who would imprison and later execute John the Baptist (Mark 6:17-29).
4. Philip, Tetrarch of Ituraea and Lysanias, Tetrarch of Abilene governed their respective regions, adding to the complex web of local rulers under Roman oversight.
On the religious side:
1. Annas was the former high priest and influential figure in the Sanhedrin, the ruling religious council.
2. Caiaphas, the high priest, served in an official capacity but was seen as weak and inclined toward compromise with Roman authorities.
Luke’s mention of these leaders, both political and religious, help us see the morally and spiritually dark backdrop against which John’s ministry began.
These rulers largely opposed God’s truth, while religious leaders had become entangled in traditions and were out of touch with God’s heart.
Against this backdrop, John’s bold voice would cry out.
Is it any wonder it was said that he was a voice crying in the wilderness.
I. The Preaching of John the Baptist
I. The Preaching of John the Baptist
2 Annas and Caiaphas being the high priests, the word of God came unto John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness.
3 And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins;
God’s word came directly to John, not through the powerful or elite, but to this humble prophet in the wilderness.
Jesus would later affirm John’s greatness, saying,
28 For I say unto you, Among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist: but he that is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.
A. The Message of John
A. The Message of John
John’s central message was simple yet powerful: repent and turn to God.
3 And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins;
His choice to baptize at the Jordan River had symbolic meaning; the river represented both Israel’s past deliverance and a new beginning in their walk with God.
1. The Place of the Message
1. The Place of the Message
The Jordan River flows from Mt. Hermon through Dan, marking a significant site of Israel’s history.
Like Israel’s earlier passage into the Promised Land, John’s ministry called the people to enter a new life of repentance and commitment to God.
2. The Practice of the Message
2. The Practice of the Message
While Jewish people were familiar with baptism for ritual purification, John’s baptism was unique—it symbolized repentance rather than purification.
This was a public declaration of turning from sin and seeking forgiveness from God.
John’s call echoes God’s continual invitation in the Old Testament for Israel to return to Him
16 Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil;
17 Learn to do well; Seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, Judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.
18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; Though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.
B. The Ministry of John
B. The Ministry of John
According to Isaiah’s prophecy, John was to prepare the way for the Messiah
3 The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, Make straight in the desert a highway for our God.
4 Every valley shall be exalted, And every mountain and hill shall be made low: And the crooked shall be made straight, And the rough places plain:
His ministry had two purposes:
1. To Be a Voice in the Wilderness
1. To Be a Voice in the Wilderness
John fulfilled the prophecy of a “voice crying in the wilderness,” preparing the way for Christ.
As the last Old Testament prophet, he stood as a bridge between the Old and New Covenants.
Dressed in camel’s hair and eating locusts, John emulated Elijah, who also lived apart from society to carry God’s message (Matthew 3:4).
4 And the same John had his raiment of camel’s hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey.
Oswald J. Smith once said, “The world does not need sermons; it needs a message.”
Like John, Smith recognized that while methods can be learned, the true message comes from God alone.
2. To Be the Forerunner of Christ
2. To Be the Forerunner of Christ
More than just a prophet, John was a herald, preparing Israel spiritually for their King.
In ancient times, a forerunner would prepare a road for the king to travel on, ensuring it was straight and smooth.
Spiritually, John was making the paths straight by calling Israel to repentance.
Warren Wiersbe notes, “The nation of Israel was living in a ‘wilderness’ of unbelief, and the roads to spiritual reality were twisted and in disrepair.”
John was not proclaiming political deliverance, as many expected, but freedom from sin.
II. The Pronouncements to the Unrepentant
II. The Pronouncements to the Unrepentant
7 Then said he to the multitude that came forth to be baptized of him, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?
8 Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, That God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.
9 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
When crowds came to John for baptism, he boldly addressed them as a “generation of vipers” (Luke 3:7).
His words were a wake-up call, a challenge for genuine repentance rather than mere ritual.
A. Bold Pronouncements
A. Bold Pronouncements
John’s choice of words—calling the people “vipers”—underscored Israel’s sinful state and pointed to the influence of false leaders.
Romans 3:10-18 gives a stark description of humanity’s fallen nature, a reminder of everyone’s need for repentance.
10 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:
11 There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.
12 They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.
13 Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips:
14 Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness:
15 Their feet are swift to shed blood:
16 Destruction and misery are in their ways:
17 And the way of peace have they not known:
18 There is no fear of God before their eyes.
B. Practical Pronouncements
B. Practical Pronouncements
John emphasized that repentance must bear fruit (Luke 3:8-9).
8 Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, That God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.
9 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
Echoing Jesus’ later words in Matthew 7:16-20, John challenged the people to live in a way that reflected true change.
16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
1. Our Works Are to Be Worthy
1. Our Works Are to Be Worthy
John’s call for “fruits worthy of repentance” means repentance should produce real, observable change.
The Greek word for “worthy” (axios) implies weight or value—our actions should carry the weight of genuine repentance.
2. Our Pedigree Is Not Enough
2. Our Pedigree Is Not Enough
John dismantled the Jewish assumption that being Abraham’s descendants was enough for salvation (Luke 3:8).
Only faith in Christ, not heritage or tradition, saves.
12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
The Gallup Poll regularly surveys the attitudes and actions of Americans, especially Christian Americans. George Gallup Jr., a Christian himself, once gave an interview about his work and the trends he noticed among religious and nonreligious people.
When the interviewer asked whether church attendance is a good predictor of people’s behavior, here is how Gallup responded: “There’s little difference in ethical behavior between the churched and the unchurched. There’s as much pilferage and dishonesty among the churched as the unchurched. And I’m afraid that applies pretty much across the board: religion, per se, is not really life changing. People cite it as important . . . but it doesn’t have primacy in determining behavior.”
Being religious will not make you righteous.
True faith is the only thing that changes lives.
3. God Knows the Roots of Our Faith
3. God Knows the Roots of Our Faith
John warned that God would judge false professions of faith, “cutting down” any tree that did not bear fruit (Luke 3:9).
9 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
Jesus, too, confronted religious hypocrisy, comparing it to whitewashed tombs (Matthew 23:27-28).
27 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness.
28 Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.
III. The Practices of the Repentant
III. The Practices of the Repentant
10 And the people asked him, saying, What shall we do then?
11 He answereth and saith unto them, He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath meat, let him do likewise.
12 Then came also publicans to be baptized, and said unto him, Master, what shall we do?
13 And he said unto them, Exact no more than that which is appointed you.
14 And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do? And he said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages.
John’s message was clear and convicting, so the people asked, “What shall we do?” (Luke 3:10).
True repentance involves tangible actions reflecting a heart changed by God’s grace.
A. A Repentant Heart Will Share
A. A Repentant Heart Will Share
John urged generosity, telling the crowd to give to those in need (Luke 3:11).
17 Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;
18 That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;
19 Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.
This reminds us we need to be rich in good works, ready to share.
B. A Repentant Heart Is Honest
B. A Repentant Heart Is Honest
When tax collectors asked John what repentance looked like for them, he told them to be fair in their collections (Luke 3:12-13).
12 Then came also publicans to be baptized, and said unto him, Master, what shall we do?
13 And he said unto them, Exact no more than that which is appointed you.
In contrast to common practice, Zacchaeus, a tax collector, showed his repentance by repaying anyone he had wronged (Luke 19:8).
8 And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold.
C. A Repentant Heart Avoids Violence
C. A Repentant Heart Avoids Violence
John advised soldiers to avoid extortion and accusations for personal gain (Luke 3:14).
14 And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do? And he said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages.
17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
D. A Repentant Heart Is Content
D. A Repentant Heart Is Content
John urged the soldiers to be content with their wages, a powerful reminder for all.
5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
Conclusion
Conclusion
John’s ministry called for repentance and pointed to salvation through Jesus.
He proclaimed a salvation rooted not in ritual or heritage, but in a genuine turning from sin to God. Repentance isn’t a one-time act but an ongoing attitude for every believer.
Let us, too, live lives marked by repentance, continually turning from sin and drawing near to Christ.
In the late 1800s, famed evangelist Dwight L. Moody held a revival meeting in Chicago. The city streets were filled with people seeking hope, but that night, among them was a face that few would have expected—a retired Union general, hardened by years of war and burdened by the scars of his past. He was a man known for his fierce pride and iron-willed authority, a man who had never shown weakness. He had come to this meeting almost on a dare, scoffing inwardly at the idea that he, a decorated general, might need "saving."
But as he sat in the crowded hall, Moody began to preach on repentance—on the need to confront one’s sins and surrender fully to God. His words cut through the general’s defenses like a blade, forcing him to confront something he had kept buried beneath layers of pride and pain. Moody spoke about the emptiness of a life lived apart from God and the freedom found in confessing one’s sins. The general felt a strange, almost unbearable weight settle on his heart. For years, he had carried so many burdens, but he had never admitted his need for help.
As Moody called for those who felt the burden of sin to come forward, the general found himself shaking, gripped by a force beyond his control. He rose slowly, as if every step to the front was a surrender of everything he had held onto for years—his pride, his reputation, his fierce independence. When he reached the front, he fell to his knees, his face wet with tears. The room hushed as this mighty man, once a symbol of strength and resolve, poured out his heart in a broken voice, begging God to forgive him.
The general wept openly, not caring who saw him. In that moment, he was not a hero or a leader; he was simply a man in desperate need of mercy. His shoulders shook as he confessed sins long held in silence, and with each word, he felt a weight lifting. The congregation watched, deeply moved, as a man once known for his strength was transformed by humility and repentance.
This powerful moment was not just a single prayer. From that night forward, the general’s life changed dramatically. The man who had once prided himself on his self-reliance now lived as a humble servant of Christ, never ashamed to speak of the grace he had received.
Friends, just as that proud general surrendered his life to God and found true peace, the invitation stands for each of us to experience the same transformation.
John the Baptist called his generation—and ours—to repent and turn wholeheartedly to God, leaving behind the sin, pride, and self-reliance that weigh us down.
Consider today what burdens you’ve been carrying, what sins you’ve kept hidden, or what areas of your life you have yet to fully surrender.
Don’t let pride or fear keep you from the freedom and forgiveness that God offers.
The path to renewal begins with humility—a simple, honest acknowledgment that we need Him.
As we close in prayer this evening, take a moment to examine your heart.
Ask God to reveal what you need to bring before Him in repentance.
Don’t leave today without letting go of anything that keeps you from a full and open relationship with your Savior.
Just as the general experienced a new life, God is ready to welcome you with open arms and a heart full of mercy.
Step forward and embrace His grace today.