John the Baptist Preaches Repentance – Luke Bible Lesson

John the Baptist Preaches Repentance – A Luke Bible Lesson

Have you ever judged someone just by how they look? If you think outward appearances tell the whole story, this Luke Bible lesson about John the Baptist might surprise you. A loner from the desert, John came with a simple yet powerful message: repentance and the coming of Jesus Christ.

Though John may not have been much to look at, he became one of the greatest figures in the Bible and is even recognized as a prophet in other faiths.

In Luke 3, John the Baptist shared two essential messages:

1. Repentance from sin
2. The coming of the Lord

Let’s read what John preached and what it means for us today.

Why Did John the Baptist Preach Repentance?

In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, and Herod was tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip ruled the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias was tetrarch of Abilene, in the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John, the son of Zechariah, in the wilderness.

He came into all the region around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins,

as it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet:

“The voice of one calling out in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, Make His paths straight!
Every ravine will be filled, And every mountain and hill will be lowered;
The crooked will become straight, And the rough roads smooth;
And all flesh will see the salvation of God!’”

John called the crowds “offspring of vipers” and urged them to produce fruits consistent with repentance, warning that God could raise up children for Abraham from stones if necessary. (Luke 3:7-9)

He told tax collectors, soldiers, and everyday people how to live rightly:

• Share with those in need.
• Collect only what is fair.
• Do not extort or harass anyone.

John emphasized that someone greater than him was coming—Jesus Christ—who would baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire, separating the wheat from the chaff. (Luke 3:16-17)

John Baptizes with Water – Christ Baptizes with the Holy Spirit

John’s harsh words like “brood of vipers” may seem shocking today, but they reflected the reality of a corrupt religious system and Roman oversight in Judea. The high priests and leaders were often installed for political control, not spiritual guidance, which made John’s message of repentance even more urgent.

John the Baptist – The Famous Loner

Emerging from the desert, John the Baptist stood out as a loner with a simple message: repentance. His rough appearance and unusual lifestyle made him unpopular in the eyes of some, but he became more influential than the likes of Pilate, Herod, or Caiaphas.

Judgment

John’s story reminds us to be careful about judging others based on looks or behavior. Someone who seems unconventional could be deeply aligned with God’s calling. As the saying goes, “Beauty is only skin deep”, and true spiritual insight often lies beneath the surface.

John’s Simple Message – Repentance

Repentance has two sides:

1. Turn away from sin.
2. Turn toward God.

It’s simple in concept but often challenging in practice. True repentance involves being genuinely sorry for sins, whether acts done or left undone, and striving to live according to God’s will.

The Good News

Thankfully, John’s message is also filled with hope. God asks us to sincerely turn away from sin and toward Him. Through Jesus Christ, He will help us change our hearts if we ask and believe. Remember, living morally alone does not save us; only God can provide salvation through Jesus.

To see more of the promises surrounding John the Baptist’s life, check out the promise of John’s birth and Mary’s visit to Elizabeth. For more inspiring Bible studies, visit Making Christ Known.

Love in Christ,
Bob

If you have never experienced the life-changing love of Jesus Christ, take a moment to read John 3:16 and learn how to receive His gift.