Luke 3: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Luke 3 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

In the fifteenth year of Tiberius Caesar, John, son of Zacharias, receives the word of God in the wilderness (vv. 1-2). He preaches the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins, fulfilling Isaiah's prophecy (vv.

Key verse

“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 the Lord. Make his paths straight.”
Luke 3:4 (WEB)

Outline

Luke 3:1–2 Historical Context Established
Luke 3:3–6 John Prepares the Way
Luke 3:7–9 Call to Genuine Repentance
Luke 3:10–14 Practical Guidance Given
Luke 3:15–20 Expectation and Imprisonment
Luke 3:21–22 Jesus' Baptism and Divine Affirmation
Luke 3:23–38 Genealogy of Jesus

Discussion questions

In v3, what does John preach about the 'baptism of repentance'?
What does John mean by 'fruits worthy of repentance' in v8?
John's message about the 'ax' in v9: what does this imply about judgment?
In vv. 15-16, why does John clarify his role compared to the one to come?
When have you felt compelled to produce 'fruits' in response to a significant change?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Luke 3: Matthew 3, John 1, Isaiah 40.

Before next time: read Luke 4.