Luke 3:15-38
John exhorted and preached to the people (v. 18). As a faithful messenger, he spoke of Christ and His power; then he is set aside, his task completed. What a beautiful example he is to those of us who desire to serve the Lord! It is not within our power to convert anybody at all. But our life and our words should prepare those who know us to receive the Lord Jesus. It is not enough to call on people to repent; the Saviour must be presented to them. Thus the Lord Jesus appears. In grace, He takes His place with His people in their first steps in the right way. He is baptised, He prays (which Luk alone mentions) and in divine response, the Holy Spirit descends upon Him. At the same time the Father’s voice is addressed to Him personally (in Matthew 3:17 the voice is for those standing by): "Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased". May we also find all our delight in Him!
The genealogy of the Lord through Mary goes back to Adam, then to God, showing that He is Son of man as well as Son of God. Matthew 1:1-17 establishes His title as Son of David and of Abraham, Heir of the divine promises to Israel.