As we enter this new chapter, we turn to look at the life and work of John the Baptist, his model of faithfulness for our lives, and the mysterious prophecies that were foretold about him hundreds of years before his birth. I pray that we may learn from his example and trust God in the same way that he did.

Luke 3.1-6

1 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, 2 during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John the son of Zechariah in the wilderness. 3 And he went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 4 As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet, “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. 5 Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be made low, and the crooked shall become straight, and the rough places shall become level ways, 6 and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.’”

[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?

+ Why is it important to Luke that he include the dates for everything?

+ What were the promises made to John the Baptist’s parents about him?

+ What is John proclaiming?

+ Why is it unique that John proclaims forgiveness of sins?

+ What passage in Isaiah is this?

+ Why is it significant that John has so many prophecies surrounding his arrival?

+ What is John’s purpose to be?

+ What is a voice crying in the wilderness? What was the role of a herald in the ancient world?

+ What shall all flesh see, and why is this important?

[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?

+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?

+ Like John the Baptist, how can you trust God with what you have been called to?

[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?

+ What is my next step?

+ Who in your life are you praying for?