The storyline of Luke’s Gospel fast-forwards from the childhood of Jesus to the beginning of his ministry at about age 30. Chapter 3 begins with a description of the ministry of Jesus’ cousin, John (elsewhere called “the Baptist”). The sermon text for this Lord’s Day identifies John as a prophet who served as the forerunner of the Messiah. This means that John identified and introduced Israel’s long-awaited King. A summary statement of John’s message (v. 3) reveals that entrance into Jesus’ Kingdom requires forgiveness of sin available only to those who repent of sin.
