Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for January 17, 2021

Divine Endorsement

Luke 3:21-22

1. The Preparatory Ministry of John the Baptist

• proclamation (1-6), confrontation (7-14), expectation (15-17), incarceration (18-20)

2. The Baptism of Jesus

• preceded by the imprisonment of John the Baptist
• turning point in redemptive history
• the coming of Jesus means the going of John
• the sinlessness of Jesus (Heb. 4:15; 2 Cor. 5:21)
• alignment with those who turn and trust

3. The Priority of Prayer

• first mention of Jesus praying
• had been baptized and was praying…
• Luke’s picturing of prayer (6:12, 9:18, 9:28, 22:41, 23:34)
• connection between earnest prayer and God’s blessing

4. The Divine Display of Approval

• heaven opened
• Holy Spirit descended like a dove (Matt. 10:16)
• harmless and pure: visible form (Isa. 42:1-4)
• verbal declaration of delight and approval

5. So What?

• Heaven’s estimate of the person and work of Jesus demands continual turning to and trusting in Him.
• Recognize that the Father’s approval of the Son establishes Him as the sole focus of saving faith.
• Determine to wed prayer and Scripture in the quest to pray earnestly.
• “O that with yonder sacred throng we at His feet may fall! We’ll join the everlasting song and crown Him Lord of all.” (Perronet)