October 4, 2017

Insights on Today's Reading

Matthew 3 - John the Baptist's ministry begins as he announces the coming of the kingdom of heaven, verse 2.  He calls for people to be baptized in a baptism of repentance, showing their change of mind regarding their sin and their desire to be ready for the coming king and His kingdom.  Jesus arrived on the scene and wanted John to baptize Him, verse 13.  At that scene, the Father in heaven spoke of His love for His Son in whom He was "...well pleased" verse 17.

Mark 1 - Mark is the only gospel writer who did not mention anything about Jesus' birth.  (John referred to it in John 1:14).  Mark says he was writing about the "...beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God" verse 1.  He brings us to John the Baptist's ministry right away.  Mark also talks about the temptation of Jesus without going into much detail, verse 12,13.  Mark goes on to speak of Jesus starting out on His public ministry when He would call Peter and Andrew, and James and John to follow Him.  Jesus' healing ministry is highlighted from verses 29-45.

Luke 3 - Luke gives careful attention to historical detail and then speaks of John the Baptist's ministry.  He quotes from Isaiah 40 to give the prophetic announcement that John's coming was fulfilling.  After the baptism of Jesus, Luke is directed to give Mary's genealogy (though Joseph's name is mentioned it actually is speaking of Joseph's father-in-law).  This genealogy goes all the way back to Adam, who was created by God, verse 38.  Mary's genealogy gives the "blood line" from David to Jesus through David's son, Nathan, verse 31, who was also a son of Bath-Sheba.