Conversation Points for Luke 3:7-18

Study Format:
1. Read passage aloud. What did you notice in the reading? What words or phrase caught your attention?
2. Read passage aloud a second time. What questions would you ask the text?
3. Read passage aloud a third time. What do you hear God calling you to do or be in response to this text?

Interesting Ideas to Consider:
John develops three distinct themes:
v. 7-9 – Warnings of the coming judgment
• Ethnic background doesn’t promise salvation
• Burning of a rotten tree a prophetic image of judgment

v. 10-14 – Call for ethical reforms
• End of a life-style based on greed and accumulation of material possessions
• Repentance and ethical reform, not revolution. Wealthy should give, not needy should take

v. 15-17 – Announcement of the coming Messiah
• Untying sandals is menial/slave labor
• Spirit and fire – five possible meanings
1) Fire describes the inflaming, purifying work of the Spirit
2) The repentant will receive the Spirit, the unrepentant the judgment of fire
3) Greek “spirit” is the same word as “wind” – could be judgment is “mighty wind and fire”
4) Pentecost reference
5) Eschatological purification – the final judgment will be a refiner’s fire for the repentant and destruction for the unrepentant.

Works Sourced:
Culpepper, R. Alan. “The Gospel of Luke.” The New Interpreter’s Bible Volume IX. Nashville, TN: Abingdon Press, 1995.