Luke 3

John Baptizes the Son of God

John the Baptist and Jesus were cousins (see Luke 1:36), and John was just six months older than Jesus. He was sent to prepare the way for the mission of Jesus Christ. As you study Luke 3, look for what John taught the people and the ways it would help them be ready to hear the Savior. Be sure to read the Joseph Smith Translation additions to this chapter, which tell us more about the mission of Jesus Christ.

Other Accounts of What You Read in Luke 3

Luke 3:1–22—Matthew 3; Mark 1:2–11

Luke 3:23–38—Matthew 1:1–17

Understanding the Scriptures

Luke 3

Tetrarch (v. 1)Ruler or governor

Remission (v. 3)Forgiveness

The wrath to come (v. 7)The coming judgments of God

Fruits worthy of repentance (v. 8)Actions that demonstrate true repentance

Ax is laid unto the root of the trees (v. 9)See “Understanding the Scriptures” for Matthew 3:10 (p. 12)

Hewn (v. 9)Cut

Publicans (v. 12)Tax collectors

Exact (v. 13)Take, collect

Content (v. 14)Satisfied

Mused (v. 15)Thought about

Latchet (v. 16)Laces or straps

Fan (v. 17)A tool or instrument used to separate wheat kernels from their lighter outer shell (chaff) that is not eaten

Separating wheat from chaff

Purge his floor (v. 17)Clean his place of harvesting

Exhortation (v. 18)A speech to encourage and strengthen

Reproved (v. 19)Scolded, rebuked

Luke 3:8–9—“We Have Abraham to Our Father”

The Lord made great promises to Abraham because of his faithfulness (see Genesis 13:14–17; Abraham 2:8–11). Many Jews believed that they would be saved simply because they were the descendants of Abraham (see JST, Luke 3:13). John the Baptist told them that if they did not repent, they would be cut down like useless trees. This teaching emphasized that we will be judged by our works, and that only the righteous receive eternal life.

Luke 3:19–20—What Had Herod Done Wrong?

Luke 3:19–20 refers to Herod Antipas, the tetrarch. He was the son of Herod the Great, whom you read about in Matthew 2. Herod Antipas left his first wife to marry his niece Herodias, who had been married to his brother Philip. Such a marriage was against the law of Moses (see Leviticus 20:21). When John the Baptist called him to repent, Herod had John thrown into prison.

Studying the Scriptures

Do the three following activities (A–C) as you study Luke 3.

1. John Prepares the Way

   1. Review Luke 3:7–14 and list the “fruits worthy of repentance” that John told the people to “bring forth” (v. 8).

   2. Write about how each of these fruits would help us prepare to meet the Savior.

2. What Should We Do?

   After John the Baptist taught the people that every tree that would not grow good fruit would be cut down and “cast into the fire” (Luke 3:9), the people asked, “What shall we do then?” (v. 10). John then gave some examples of what it meant to bring forth good fruit.

   1. List what John suggested for:

      1. People with food and clothing

      2. Publicans

      3. Soldiers

   2. Based on what John taught, write what you think he would suggest today for:

      1. Teenagers at school

      2. Children living with their parents

      3. Parents

3. Choose a Symbol

   1. Explain what each of the following words found in Luke 3:7–18 could symbolize in the message or mission of John the Baptist: vipers, stones, fruit, roots, shoes, wheat.

   2. Choose one of the above symbols that people you know would be least likely to relate to. Think of a different symbol that people in your area might better understand. Describe how you would use it to teach a principle John taught.