Luke
3:15-22
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- Reading the Text:
- NRSV (with link to Anglicized NRSV) at Oremus Bible Browser.
- Greek Interlinear Bible, ScrTR, ScrTR t, Strong, Parsing, CGTS, CGES id, AV.
- The Bible Gateway: NRSV, RSV, NIV, NASB, CEV, The Message, KJV, etc.
- The Blue Letter Bible. KJV, alternate versions, Greek text with concordance, commentaries.
- The World Wide Study Bible includes commentary & sermons.
- Historical References, Commentary and
Comparative Texts:
- The Five Gospels Parallels, John W. Marshall, University of Toronto.
- Comparative texts about Baptism: Water & Spirit from DSS, Josephus, Babylonian Talmud. At (Rutgers University Dept of Religion) Mahlon H. Smith's Into His Own: Perspective on the World of Jesus companion to the historical study of Christian texts.
- "John Baptizes Jesus," The Jesus Database, an online annotated inventory of the traditions concerning the life and teachings of Jesus. Dr. Gregory C. Jenks, FaithFutures Foundation.
- John the Baptist: New Testament Parallels to the Works of Josephus. From G.J. Goldberg's Flavius Josephus Home Page. (Some of these "parallels" are speculative.)
- I.III.5, IV.XXXIII.1, Adversus Haereses, Irenaeus of Lyons. (c. 180)
- II.12, Paedagogus, Clement of Alexandria (c 200)
- V.8, Stromata, Clement of Alexandria (c 200)
- III.24, Ecclesiastical History, Eusebius of Caesarea (c 320).
- Commentary on a Harmony of the Evangelists, John Calvin, 1558: Matthew 3:13-17/Mark 1:9-11/Luke 3:21-23, Matthew 4:12, 17/Mark 1:14-15, Luke 3:19-20/Luke 4:14-15.
- From the Geneva Notes.
- "If we would rightly and fruitfully receive the sacraments, we must neither rest in the signs, neither in him that ministers the signs, but lift up our eyes to Christ, who is the author of the sacraments, and the giver of that which is represented by the sacraments."
- From
Matthew
Henry's Commentary (c. 1700).
- "Christ did not confess sin, as others did, for he had none to confess; but he prayed, as others did, and kept up communion with his Father."
- From
Wesley's
Notes.
John Wesley
(1703-1791).
- "It is observable, that the three voices from heaven, see Lu 9:29,35; John 12:28; by which the Father bore witness to Christ, were pronounced either while he was praying, or quickly after it. Mt 3:13; Mr 1:9."
- From the
Commentary on the Whole Bible
(Jamieson, Fausset and Brown, 1871).
- "when all the people were baptized--that He might not seem to be merely one of the crowd. Thus, as He rode into Jerusalem upon an ass, "whereon yet never man sat" (Lu 19:30), and lay in a sepulchre "wherein was never man yet laid" (Joh 19:41), so in His baptism He would be "separate from sinners.""
- From The People's New Testament, B.W. Johnson, 1891.
- Contemporary Commentary, Studies, and Exegesis:
- Commentary,
Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 (Baptism of our Lord), Ronald J. Allen, Preaching This
Week, WorkingPreacher.org, 2019.
- "On the Baptism of Jesus, a lot of preachers and worship planners encourage congregations to remember their baptisms."
- "Forgiveness...and So Much More!" David Lose, ...in the meantime, 2019.
- "Thank you, Dear Partner, for proclaiming not simply the scandal of Jesus’ baptism, but the real scandal of ours. Because those words – “you are my beloved child” – still have the power to change lives."
- "The Power of 'You'," Karoline Lewis, Dear Working Preacher, 2019.
- "Never underestimate the power of “you,” especially in the second person singular. We know how “you” feels. Like you are the only person in the world..."
- "How Purpose Reveals Itself," Melissa Bane Sevier, Contemplative Viewfinder, 2019.
- "We leave our place of worship, the reminder of our baptism, the ringing in our ears of the voice of God heard in the scriptures and the voices of our friends who encourage us, and we walk back into our everyday life, with a sure sense that God is pulling us forward."
- Living by the Word, Joanna Harader, The Christian Century, 2019.
- "...About that baptism by fire...
- A Provocation, Richard Swanson, provokingthegospel, 2019
- "Can persistent, unflinching gentleness turn the world right-side-up?"
- "Through the Waters," Art and Faith Matters Lynn Miller, celebrating our creative and living God by generating art and architecture resources for congregations and individuals. Art and Faith Matters facebook page contains additional resources.
- "Shalll We Gather At the River (But Not Just Any River)," Chris Ayers, ReThinkDoChurch, 2019.
- "God's Claim, God's Protection," Janet Hunt, Dancing with the Word, 2019.
- "Not Too Good to Be True," Alan Brehm, The Waking Dreamer, 2015.
- "The season of Epiphany is a time to reaffirm our hope in the promises that are not too good to be true, promises of all the good things that God is always working to bring into all our lives."
- Commentary,
Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 (Baptism of our Lord), Karoline Lewis, Preaching This
Week, WorkingPreacher.org, 2013.
- "'If what you are waiting for is release for the captives and good news for the poor, then I’m your guy. If not, well, then you will need to wait for another.'"
- "Preaching a More Meaningful Baptism," David Lose, Working Preacher, 2013.
- "To tell you the truth, I don’t think the choice I stated above – preach baptism or preach the text – has to be quite so stark. What I advocate is teaching about Baptism through the text at hand, in this case Luke’s gospel account of Jesus’ baptism."
- "The Second Sign," Nancy Rockwell, Bite in the Apple, 2013.
- "Jesus, then, in Jerome’s understanding, is born of the union of the Sea and the Fire Spirit of God in heaven. It is on land that he is endangered, from cradle to cross. Sea and sky sustain him, as he walks the earth among us."
- "Waiting on the Messiah and Presidential Expectations," David A. Sánchez, Ph.D., ON Scripture, Odyssey Networks, 2013.
- "I would suggest that like the baptismal section of Luke, we too expect messianic grandeur from our political leaders but get, as God so tenderly proclaimed, sons."
- "Diving for Our Destiny," Peter Woods, I Am Listening, 2013.
- "As I read Luke’s gospel I become aware of two immersions..."
- "Beloved Son, Delightful Servant," D Mark Davis, raw translation and exegesis/questions, Left Behind and Loving It, 2013.
- "Contrary to most translations, there is no definite article for holy spirit in this verse. Sometimes I worry that we retroactively impose a fully developed pneumatology onto texts that might have a much less developed one in play."
- "Passing On The Faith," the Rev. Dr. Janet H. Hunt, Dancing with the Word, 2013.
- "Can you imagine that Jesus heard the echo of these words on the day of his baptism? What other passages might he have been remembering then?"
- Lectionary Greek, Rob Myallis, 2013.
- "The Power of a Father's Affirmation," Rick Fry, 2013.
- "On Taking the Watery Plunge," Michael Coffey, 2013.
- "Beloved," Rick Morley, 2013.
- "Risky Waters," Heather Carlson, Ekklesia Project, 2013.
- "Good Cop - Bad Cop," Mark Stenberg, The Hardest Question, 2013.
- "We can infer that John the Baptist had a wide and active community of followers that were merged into the Jesus story. Why does Luke create such a wooden, one-dimensional figure out of the rich legacy of John the Baptist and all his followers? And what does this say about the whole great big community of active disciples of John the Baptist?"
- Holy Textures, Understanding the Bible in its own time and in ours,
Luke 3:15-17, 21-22, David Ewart, 2010.
- "Jesus' baptism is not about repentance. It is about his identity being publically, ritually re-rooted into God."
- Comentario del Evangelio por Nicolás Panotto, Lucas 3:15-17, 21-22, Working Preacher, 2013.
- The Baptism of Jesus, audio telling, story in episodes, graphic, audio and written commentaries. Go Tell Communications, Biblical Storytelling for the Global Village, 2012.
- Radical Gratitude, lectionary-based stewardship, Northwest United Methodist Foundation. (.pdf)
-
Commentary,
Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 (Baptism of our Lord), Roy Harrisville, Preaching This
Week, WorkingPreacher.org, 2010.
- "Great expectations have always been part of the human story."
- Comments (commentary) and Clippings (technical notes for in-depth study), Chris Haslam, Anglican Diocese of Montreal.
-
"First
Thoughts on Year C Gospel Passages in the Lectionary," Baptism
of Our Lord,
William Loader, Murdoch University, Uniting Church in Australia.
- "In a world of above and below, above and below meet in Jesus."
- Exegetical
Notes by Brian Stoffregen at CrossMarks
Christian Resources.
- "I don't think that Luke tell us about Jesus' baptism just to inform us about what happened to Jesus. He relates this story also to indicate something about our baptisms, our need to be in prayer, our anointing with the Spirit, and our subsequent battles with evil and ministry in the world."
-
Lectionary Blogging, John Petty, Progressive Involvement,
2010.
- "The reference to fire has invited much comment throughout the history of the church. Perhaps fire is connected with the Spirit, as the experience of Pentecost would indicate (Acts 2:3). Or, perhaps fire is an image independent of Spirit, and recalls "the refiner's fire" of Malachi 3:2."
-
"Baptism of Jesus," Gospel Analysis, Sermons from
Seattle, Pastor Edward F. Markquart, Grace Lutheran Church, Seattle,
Washington. Detailed background and exegesis.
- "In our baptism, similar things happen to us as happened to Jesus when he was baptized: 1) The Spirit of God comes into us and remains in us. 2) We are declared to be a child of God. 3) We hear that God is well pleased with us."
-
"Jesus,
the Messiah with the Life-Giving Spirit," Carolyn Schneider,
Sabbatheology, The Crossings Community, 2010.
- "God's granary turns out not to be a storehouse for food that will be cooked and consumed. Rather, it holds living seeds to be planted, to sprout and grow, taking on a completely new form. This is the Messiah's incomparable creative power to save and renew God's world."
-
"The
Baptism of Jesus: A Vision and a Voice,"
The Journey with Jesus: Notes to Myself, Daniel B. Clendenin, Journey with
Jesus Foundation.
- "How do religious and political powers deny people access to God's free mercy?"
-
Kairos CoMotion Lectionary Discussion,
Luke 3:15-17, 21-22, Wesley White. "A place of
conversation regarding Progressive Christianity."
- "One way of trying to clear ourselves of mechanizing baptism and sub-dividing it into component parts is to look at our involvement in the process."
- Laterally Luke, by Brian McGowan, Anglican priest in Western Australia.
-
"The
Baptism of Jesus," Rev. Bryan Findlayson, Lectionary Bible
Studies and Sermons, Pumpkin Cottage Ministry Resources.
- "For those of us who read the story today, we find assurance in the knowledge that in Christ we have passed over the river Jordan and entered the promised land. Our wandering is over and our reward is assured."
- Lectionary
Commentary and Preaching Paths (Baptism [Epiphany 1] C), by Dennis
Bratcher, at The Christian Resource Institute.
- "So rather than using end-of-the-world kinds of apocalyptic imagery, Luke is more concerned with emphasizing the newness that is coming into the world in the present as a result of the coming of Jesus. That suggests that heaven opening is really the inauguration, not only of Jesus ministry as the Christ, but also of a new way of God?s working in the world through the Holy Spirit active in the Church."
- "John the Baptist," "Baptism of Jesus," wikipedia.
- Commentary,
Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 (Baptism of our Lord), Ronald J. Allen, Preaching This
Week, WorkingPreacher.org, 2019.
- Recommended articles
from ATLAS, an online collection of religion and theology journals, are
linked below.
ATLAS Access options are available for academic institutions, alumni of
selected theological schools, and clergy/church offices. Annotated list of "starting place" articles at ATLAS for this week's texts (includes direct links).
- Charles, J. Daryl, "The 'Coming
One'/'Stronger One' and His Baptism: Matt 3:11-12, Mark 1:8, Luke
3:16-17," Pneuma, 1989.
EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials - Dennison, Charles G.,
"How Is Jesus the Son of God? Luke's Baptism Narrative and Christology,"
Calvin Theological Journal, 1982.
EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials - Downing, F. Gerald,
"Psalms and the Baptist," Journal for the Study of the New Testament,
2006.
EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials - Ennis, P.C., "The Power of Approval," Journal for
Preachers, 2009.
EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials - Erickson, Richard J.,
"The Jailing of John and the Baptism of Jesus: Luke 3:19-21," Journal
of the Evangelical Theological Society, 1993.
EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials - Gero, Stephen,
"The Spirit as a Dove at the Baptism of Jesus," Novum Testamentum,
1976.
EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials - Good, Jack,
"Naming Names," The Christian Century, 2003.
EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials - Hornik, Heidi J., "The Baptism of Christ and
Temptations by Michele Tosini: A Lukan Reading," Interpretation,
2007.
EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials - Johnson, S. Lewis, Jr.,
"The Baptism of Christ," Bibliotheca Sacra, 1966.
EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials - Kirk, Alan, "Upbraiding Wisdom: John's Speech and the
Beginning of Q," Novum Testamentum, 1998.
EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials - Klassan-Wiebe, Sheila,
"Luke 3:15-17, 21-22," Interpretation, 1994.
EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials - Lee, Mark,
"An Evangelical Dialogue on Luke, Salvation, and Spirit Baptism,"
Pneuma, 2004.
EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials - Luther, Martin,
"'This Is My Son, the Beloved': Sermon on the Baptism of Jesus, The Epiphany
of Our Lord (January 6, 1534)," Word & World, 1996.
EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials - McDonnell, Kilian,
"The Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan and the Descent into Hell,"
Worship, 1995.
EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials - McDonnell, Kilian, O.S.B.,
"Jesus' Baptism in the Jordan," Theological Studies, 1995.
EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials - Mouw, Richard J.,
"Baptism and the Salvific Status of Children: An Examination of Some
Intra-Reformed Debates," Calvin Theological Journal, 2006.
EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials - Petrucelli, Linda, "The Patron Saint of Sharing," The Living Pulpit, 1997.
EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials - Rogness, Michael,
"'You Are My Son, the Beloved': The Epiphany Gospels," Word & World,
2004.
EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials - Smith, Daniel A.,
"Irenaeus and the Baptism of Jesus," Theological Studies, 1997.
EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials - Stendahl, John,
"The Outset," The Christian Century, 1997.
EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials - Storey, Peter,
"Somebody's Calling My Name," The Christian Century, 2000.
EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials - Walker, John F.,
"Faith-based Bathing: What Is the Role of Baptism in Faith and Salvation?"
Christianity Today, 2003.
EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials - Wangerin, Mark E.,"The Baptism of our Lord: 1st
Sunday after the Epiphany," Concordia Journal, 1985.
EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials - Webb, Robert L.,
"The Activity of John the Baptist's Expected Figure at the Threshing Floor
(Matthew 3.12 = Luke 3.17)," Journal for the Study of the New
Testament, 1991.
EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials - Zeitlin, Solomon,
"The HALAKA in the Gospels and Its Relation to the Jewish Law at the
Time of Jesus," Hebrew Union College Annual, 1924.
EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
- Charles, J. Daryl, "The 'Coming
One'/'Stronger One' and His Baptism: Matt 3:11-12, Mark 1:8, Luke
3:16-17," Pneuma, 1989.
- Sermons:
- "Does Baptism Matter?" The Rev. Dr. Michael Brown, Day 1, 2013.
- "Temptations and Triumphs of Ministry," Kenneth L. Carder, Duke Divinity School's Faith & Leadership, 2010.
- "God Believes in You," the Rev. Dr. Joanna Adams, Day 1, 2010.
- "Baptism? What Do We Teach?" Pastor Edward F. Markquart, Sermons from Seattle, Grace Lutheran Church, Seattle, Washington.
- "Called by Name," the Rev. Dr. Thomas G. Long, Day 1, 2004.
- "Baptism? What Do We Teach?" Pastor Edward F. Markquart, Grace Lutheran Church, Seattle, Washington.
- "Sermon for the Baptism of the Lord," Mr. Dayton Edmonds, Day 1, 2001.
- With Children:
- Worshiping with Children, Baptism of Our Lord, Including children in the congregation's worship, using the Revised Common Lectionary, Carolyn C. Brown, 2013.
- "John the Baptist," "Jesus' Baptism and Ministry," Illustrating the Story (lessons, children's sermons), coloring pages, activity sheets, crafts, children's songs. MSSS Crafts.
- "Jesus Is Baptized by John in the River Jordan," Sunday School Lessons: Family Bible Study, art projects, music, stories, etc.
- "Jesus Is Baptized and Brings the Good News," Sunday School Lessons: Family Bible Study, art projects, music, stories, etc.
- "New Beginnings," children's sermon, coloring page. Charles Kirkpatrick, Sermons 4 Kids.
- "John the Baptist," children's study, puzzles, coloring sheet, etc. Higher Praise Christian Center.
- Drama:
- Graphics & Bulletin Materials:
- Clip Art Images: Baptism of Christ, Misioneros Del Sagrado Corazón en el Perú.
- Luke 3:15-22 at Cerezo Barredo's weekly gospel illustration. Liberation emphasis.
- Liturgical Drawing, Luke 3:15-16, 21-22, Maria d.c. Zamora, Claretian Resources, Philippines. ("Download and use these for free.")
- Clip Art, Julius Schnoor von Carolsfeld woodcuts, World Mission Collection, Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod.
- Commercial Site: "Baptism of Our Lord," Visual Liturgy/Film, The Work of the People.
- Hymns and Music:
- “Down by the Jordan,” Carolyn Winfrey Gillette’s hymn celebrates Jesus’ baptism and baptism today. The hymn is in the United Methodists’ Worship and Song (2011). Tune: LOBE DEN HERREN 14.14.4.7.8 (“Praise Ye the Lord, the Almighty”).
- "Spirit of God,” an original hymn by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette, celebrating biblical stories of the Spirit from creation, through the prophets, Jesus’ baptism, Pentecost and today. Tune: O QUANTA QUALIA (11.11.11.11) (“God of Compassion, in Mercy Befriend Us”). This hymn is in Voices Found: Women in the Church's Song (Episcopal) and is also an anthem from the Choristers Guild.
- "Be Still, Remember," an original hymn text by Lisa Ann Moss Degrenia.
- Hymnary.org, hymns, scores, media, information.
- Contemporary/Praise Song suggestions, Together to Celebrate, David MacGregor.
- Hymns with Scripture Allusions: Luke 3:16, 22. The Cyber Hymnal.
- Fine Arts Images Linked at The Text This Week's Art Index:
- Movies scenes with the following themes, listed at The Text This Week's Movie Concordance:
- Find Worship Resources & Suggested Other Readings for use with this text:
- Study Links and Resources for the Book of Luke