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Luke 3:7-18
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• Reading the Text:
  • NRSV (with link to Anglicized NRSV) at Oremus Bible Browser.
  • Greek Interlinear Bible, ScrTR, ScrTR t, Strong, Parsing, CGTS, CGES id, AV.
  • The Bible Gateway: NRSV, RSV, NIV, NASB, CEV, The Message, KJV, etc.
  • The Blue Letter Bible. KJV, alternate versions, Greek text with concordance, commentaries.
  • The World Wide Study Bible includes commentary & sermons.
• Historical References, Commentary and Comparative Texts:
  • The Five Gospels Parallels, John W. Marshall, University of Toronto.
  • "John's Message," The Jesus Database, an online annotated inventory of the traditions concerning the life and teachings of Jesus. Dr. Gregory C. Jenks, FaithFutures Foundation.
  • Comparative texts about Pharisees & Sadducees from Josephus, Tosefta, Mishnah & Babylonian Talmud. Comparative texts about Baptism: Water & Spirit from DSS, Josephus, Babylonian Talmud. Comparative primary texts about Purity and Social Relations (see esp "Tax Collectors Visit," from Mishnah, Midrash, Tosefta, and Babylonian Talmud. At Mahlon H. Smith's (Rutgers University) Into His Own: Perspective on the World of Jesus.
  • I.III.5, IV.XXX.3, IV.XXXIII.1, V.XXXII.2, Adversus Haereses, Irenaeus of Lyons. (c. 180)
  • Chapter I, Exhortation to the Greeks, Clement of Alexandria (c 200)
  • I.9, II.12, Paedagogus, Clement of Alexandria (c 200)
  • V.8, Stromata, Clement of Alexandria (c 200)
  • Chapter VII, On Patience, Tertullian (c. 202)
  • Chapter XIX, On Idolatry, Tertullian (c. 211)
  • Chapter X, Chapter XX, On Modesty, Tertullian (c. 217)
  • V.III, VI.XI, The Refutation of all Heresies (Philosophumena), Hippolytus of Rome. (c. 225)
  • Commentary on a Harmony of the Evangelists, John Calvin, 1558: Matthew 3:7-10/Luke 3:7-14, Matthew 3:11-12/Mark 1:7-8/Luke 3:15-18.
  • From the Geneva Notes.
    • "If we would rightly and fruitfully receive the sacraments, we must neither rest in the signs, neither in him that ministers the signs, but lift up our eyes to Christ, who is the author of the sacraments, and the giver of that which is represented by the sacraments."
  • From Matthew Henry's Commentary (c. 1700).
    • "John the Baptist disowned being himself the Christ, but confirmed the people in their expectations of the long-promised Messiah."
  • From Wesley's Notes. John Wesley (1703-1791).
    • "It is not properly John, but the Holy Ghost, who teaches us in the following answers, how to come ourselves, and how to instruct other penitent sinners to come to Christ, that he may give them rest. The sum of all this is, Cease to do evil, learn to do well. These are the fruits worthy of repentance."
  • From the Commentary on the Whole Bible (Jamieson, Fausset and Brown, 1871).
    • "So far from entertaining such a thought as laying claim to the honors of Messiahship, the meanest services I can render to that "Mightier than I that is coming after me," are too high an honor for me. Beautiful spirit, distinguishing this servant of Christ throughout!"
  • From The People's New Testament, B.W. Johnson, 1891.
    • "Those that are baptized must be taught; and those who have [235] baptized them are concerned, as they have opportunity, to teach them (Matt. 28:19, 20)."
• Contemporary Commentary, Studies, and Exegesis:
  • Commentary, Luke 3:7-18, Michal Beth Dinkler, Preaching This Week, WorkingPreacher.org, 2018.
    • "Luke depicts John the Baptist’s message as a clarion call to repentance."
  • Pulpit Fiction, plus podcast. Reflections of lectionary text, pop culture, current events, etc. Robb Mc Coy and Eric Fistler, 2018.
  • "The Time Is Now," Karoline Lewis, Dear Working Preacher, 2018.
    • "While we would like to imagine ourselves as altruistic and inherently generous, the truth is we might have a higher opinion of ourselves than what John the Baptist appears to see."
  • "The Way Things Are Not How They Have To Be," Hannah Adams Ingram, Modern Metanoia, 2018.
    • "As I have been articulating just what this vocational call is, recently my message of a misplaced pastor in a secular setting has been this: The way things are now is not how they have to be."
  • Living by the Word, Austin Crenshaw Shelley, The Christian Century, 2018.
    • "“If we can’t afford two boxes,” my grandmother said, “we can’t afford one.”"
  • "From Downtown to the Desert:Voices from the Wilderness Call Out for Water Justice," Kim Redigan, Radical Discipleship, 2018.
    • "Advent calls us to the desert where we can better hear the voice of the One who calls us to a bitter but blessed baptism of resistance to the tyrants of our time."
  • A Provocation, Richard Swanson, provokingthegospel, 2018.
    • "Faithfulness consists in being aware of the needs of the people around you, being aware and then doing something about it."
  • "A Baptism of Repentance," James Shenko, Politics of Scripture, 2018.
    • "The message of John the Baptist challenges our complacency about sin, an attitude that pervades and perverts our entire life as a society."
  • "One Sermon," Janet H Hunt, Dancing with the Word, 2018.
    • "What ‘one message’ is your life shaping even now?"
  • Commentary, Luke 3:7-18, Judith Jones, Preaching This Week, WorkingPreacher.org, 2015.
    • "John calls his hearers to let God burn up our selfish desire to hoard our food and clothes even when our neighbor is hungry and shivering with cold."
  • "Advent Expectations," Karoline Lewis, Dear Working Preacher, 2015.
    • "God's expectations, unlike ours, are founded on and grounded in God's met promises."
  • "Ordinary Saints," David Lose, ...in the Meantime, 2015.
    • "...what might happen if we pledged that in light of the dangerous world we live in we intended to redouble our efforts to be honest, kind, and hardworking, meeting the needs of those around us, reaching out to help those who struggle, and in all these ways witness to our confidence that Jesus' life, death, and resurrection make a difference?"
  • The Center for Excellence in Preaching, Scott Hoezee, commentary, textual notes, illustration. 2015.
    • "Advent has become such a "special" time of the year that preachers and those who listen to preachers alike can too easily forget that this ostensibly special time of the year is not so very special at all unless it has a profound effect on all the ordinary, non-special moments of our lives as well."
  • "Good News and Wrath," Glenn Monson, Law and Gospel Everywhere, 2015.
  • "Baptism with Fire: Now Who Shall We Be?" Janet H. Hunt, Dancing with the Word, 2015.
    • "How do you hear John's sermon today? Is it all judgment or is there promise, too?"
  • "Chop Down a Tree," Lynn Miller, Art & Faith Matters, celebrating our creative and living God by generating art and architecture resources for congregations and individuals. Art and Faith Matters facebook page contains additional resources.
  • Commentary, Luke 3:7-18, Karl Jacobson, Preaching This Week, WorkingPreacher.org, 2012.
    • "Repentance here is not just (or perhaps even primarily) about the dialectic of faith and sin; rather it is about how we are living out the love of our neighbor."
  • "Fleeing Wrath, Burning Rubble and Turning Around," D Mark Davis, raw translation and exegesis/questions, Left Behind and Loving It, 2012.
    • "John’s water baptism is a curious thing to me. What did it mean? Why were people so attracted to this act? Is there a historical basis for it that gives it meaning?"
  • "A Promise We're All Invited Into," David Lose, WorkingPreacher, 2012.
    • If this is John's idea of good news, I’m not sure I want to hear the bad news.
  • Lectionary Greek, Luke 3:7-18, Rob Myallis, 2012.
  • The Politics of Luke 3:7-18, Timothy F. Simpson, Political Theology, 2012.
  • "Practical Theology and Subversive Advent," Katie Munnik, Presbyterian Record, 2012.
    • "If Advent is a time to review our expectations, then John is the perfect spokesman. He’s loud, direct, and very specific. John’s good news is news of good. He is describing and prescribing a Good way to live."
  • "A Winnowing Fork in Jesus' Hand: Good News for Today," the Rev. Dr. Janet H. Hunt, Dancing with the Word, 2012.
    • "How have you experienced Jesus 'winnowing' or sifting through what is worth keeping and what is not worth keeping in you?"
  • Holy Textures, Understanding the Bible in its own time and in ours, Luke 3:7-18, David Ewart, 2012.
    • "Indeed by going further with his image of the axe cutting at the ROOTS of the tree - as compared with cutting at the trunk of the tree - John is deepening the meaning of repentance to be RE-ROOTING."
  • "Our Viperish Needs at Advent," Melissa Bane Sevier, Contemplative Viewfinder, 2012.
    • "Maybe John is—in his wildly dramatic fashion—trying to get people to stop fleeing. To turn around and pay attention to the thing they’re running from. And then to move forward."
  • "Welcome to Our World," Alyce M. McKenzie, Edgy Exegesis, 2012.
    • "In Advent, we remember that we have a job to do—to welcome Jesus the Savior into our lives by repentance and participation."
  • "Good News? Ouch! That Hurts!" Peter Woods, i am listening, 2012. 2009.
  • Comentario del Evangelio por Diana Rocco Tedesco, Lucas 3:7-18, Working Preacher, 2012.
  • Commentary, Luke 3:7-18, David Lose, Preaching This Week, WorkingPreacher.org, 2009.
    • "Caught between eschatological judgment and messianic consummation, the crowds hear John speak of a role in the coming kingdom they can play.  It demands neither renunciation nor asceticism, neither pilgrimage nor sacrifice.  Rather, participating in God's new kingdom is available to them where they are, requiring only the modicum of faith necessary to perceive the sacred in the ordinary."
  • Comments (commentary) and Clippings (technical notes for in-depth study), Chris Haslam, Anglican Diocese of Montreal.
  • "First Thoughts on Year C Gospel Passages in the Lectionary," Advent 3C, William Loader, Murdoch University, Uniting Church in Australia.
    • "Luke worked creatively and in doing so stood in a living tradition which was life giving. John, including his John, has much to say to our contemporary world - ultimately also about the meaning of our baptism."
  • "The Third Sunday in Advent: Luke 3:7-18," Promises, Promises, Gracia Grindal, Word & World: Theology for Christian Ministry, Luther Northwestern Theological School, 1988.
  • "The Third Sunday in Advent: Luke 3:7-18," The Birth of Jesus Never Saved Anyone: The Lucan Advent Texts, Marc Kolden, Word & World: Theology for Christian Ministry, Luther Northwestern Theological School, 1991.
  • "John's Preaching of Repentance," Gospel Analysis, Sermons from Seattle, Pastor Edward F. Markquart, Grace Lutheran Church, Seattle, Washington. Detailed background and exegesis.
  • Laterally Luke, by Brian McGowan, Anglican priest in Western Australia.
  • Exegetical Notes by Brian Stoffregen at CrossMarks Christian Resources.
    • "A slogan that was practiced at the alcoholic hospital where I worked part-time was: 'Act yourself to a new way of thinking.' A similar saying is attributed to Jesse Jackson: 'It is easier to walk your way into a new way of thinking -- than to think your way into a new way of walking.'"
  • Lectionary Blogging, John Petty, Progressive Involvement, 2009.
    • "Christians often seem to forget two things--first, that judgment is for our benefit, and second, that the one who judges us is the one who loves us the most."
  • Kairos CoMotion Lectionary Discussion, Luke 3:7-18. "A place of conversation regarding Progressive Christianity."
    • "[John] uses economic justice examples, but it boils down to human values we were created with, that are available to be expressed in our current life. Economic justice is a worthy fruit."
  • "Conscience and Prediction," Larry Broding's Word-Sunday.Com: A Catholic Resource for This Sunday's Gospel. Adult Study, Children's Story, Family Activity, Support Materials.
    • "What causes people to change their lives? Is it guilt from past indiscretions? Is it hope for a better future? Or is it both? Explain."
  • "What Must We Do?" Rev. Bryan Findlayson, Lectionary Bible Studies and Sermons, Pumpkin Cottage Ministry Resources. Includes detailed textual notes.
  • "John the Baptist," wikipedia.
• Recommended articles from ATLAS, an online collection of religion and theology journals, are linked below. ATLAS Access options are available for academic institutions, alumni of selected theological schools, and clergy/church offices. Annotated list of "starting place" articles at ATLAS for this week's texts (includes direct links).
  • Bartelt, Andrew H., "3rd Sunday in Advent: Luke 3:7-18," Concordia Journal, 1985.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Blumenthal, David R., "Repentance and Forgiveness," CrossCurrents, 1998.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Boulton, Elizabeth Myer, "Living by the Word: Luke 3:7-18, Zephaniah 3:14-20," The Christian Century, 2009.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Burghardt, "Advent: Remember, Repent, Rehearse," The Living Pulpit, 1997.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Burghardt, Walter J., "Just a Church or a Just Church?" The Living Pulpit, 2000.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Chakoian, Christine, "Between Text & Sermon, Luke 3:1-16," Interpretation, 1999.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Charles, J. Daryl, "The 'Coming One'/'Stronger One' and His Baptism: Matt 3:11-12, Mark 1:8, Luke 3:16-17," Pneuma, 1989.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Downing, F. Gerald, "Psalms and the Baptist," Journal for the Study of the New Testament, 2006.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Fee, Gordon D., "Baptism and the Holy Spirit: The Issue of Separability and Subsequence," Pneuma, 1985.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Good, David W., "On Tiptoes for a Silent Night: Reenchantment for the Disenchanted," The Living Pulpit, 1997.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Grindal, Gracia, "Promises, Promises," Word & World, 1988.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Hornik, Heidi J., "The Baptism of Christ and Temptations by Michele Tosini: A Lukan Reading," Interpretation, 2007.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Hug, James E., S.J., "Birthing the Peace of Justice," The Living Pulpit, 1997.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Hutchison, John C., "Was John the Baptist an Essene from Qumran?" Bibliotheca Sacra, 2002.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Kelly, Joseph G., "Lucan Christology and the Jewish-Christian Dialogue," Journal of Ecumenical Studies, 1984.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Kay, James F., "Unquenchable Fire," The Christian Century, 1997.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Kirk, Alan, "Upbraiding Wisdom: John's Speech and the Beginning of Q (Q 3:7-9, 16-17)," Novum Testamentum, 1998.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Klassan-Wiebe, Sheila, "Luke 3:15-17, 21-22," Interpretation, 1994.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Kolden, Marc, "The Birth of Jesus Never Saved Anyone: The Lucan Advent Texts," Word & World, 1991.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Lee, Mark, "An Evangelical Dialogue on Luke, Salvation, and Spirit Baptism," Pneuma, 2004.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Morris, John C., "Refiner's Fire," The Christian Century, 2000.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Otey, Rush, "Gospel Fragments for Advent," Journal for Preachers, 2000.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Petrucelli, Linda, "The Patron Saint of Sharing," The Living Pulpit, 1997.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Reines, Rabbi Sarah H., "Turning Ourselves Around," The Living Pulpit, 2007. (See also "Atonement," issue focus of The Living Pulpit, 16.2, 2007.)
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Robertson, Bruce L., "Luke 3:10-18," Interpretation, 1982.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Russell, Keith, "A Time for Repentance," The Living Pulpit, 1997.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Sölle, Dorothee, "Church: They Had Everything in Common," Theology Today 1985.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Webb, Robert L., "The Activity of John the Baptist's Expected Figure at the Threshing Floor (Matthew 3.12 = Luke 3.17)," Journal for the Study of the New Testament, 1991.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Williams, Delores S., "Searching for a Balm in Gilead," The Living Pulpit, 2000.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Willimon, William, "What Then Shall We Do? An Advent Meditation," The Christian Century, 1982.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
• Sermons:
  • "What Should We Do?" Luke Powery. A Sermon for Every Sunday. Free audio. Video by subscription.
  • "Getting There," Rev. Dr. Robert Baggott, Day 1, 2012.
  • "Repent, Ye Saints," the Rev. Dr. Wiley Stephens, Day 1, 2009.
  • "Living in Expectation," Hubert Beck, Advent 3, 17 December 2006, Göttinger Predigten im Internet: Every Sunday Sermons based on the RCL by a team of Lutheran theologians/ pastors.
  • "Tradition and Spirit," the Rev. Dr. Francis H. Wade, Day 1, 2003.
  • "What Can I Do?" Pastor Edward F. Markquart, Grace Lutheran Church, Seattle, Washington.
  • "Sermon for the 3rd Sunday in Advent," the Rev. Canon Gray Temple, Day 1, 2000.
  • Father Andrew M. Greeley, "Priest, Author, Sociologist," Commentary and Homily
    • Advent 3, 2012
    • Advent 3, 2009
    • Advent 3, 2006
    • Baptism of Jesus, 2000
    • Advent 3, 2000
• With Children:
  • Worshiping with Children, Advent 3, 2015, Including children in the congregation's worship, using the Revised Common Lectionary, Carolyn C. Brown, 2012.
  • "Storypath Lectionary Links: Connecting Children's Literature with our Faith Story," 2015, Union Presbyterian Seminary.
  • "John the Baptist," Illustrating the Story (lessons, children's sermons), coloring pages, activity sheets, crafts, children's songs. MSSS Crafts.
  • "John the Baptist Speaks Out," "Jesus Is Baptized by John in the River Jordan," Sunday School Lessons: Family Bible Study, art projects, music, stories, etc.
  • "John the Baptist," children's study, puzzles, coloring sheet, etc. Higher Praise Christian Center.
  • "Love without End," Mike Butler, sermons4kids.com.
• Drama:
• Graphics & Bulletin Materials:
  • Clip Art Images: Luke 3:7-18, Misioneros Del Sagrado Corazón en el Perú.
  • Luke 3:10-18, Liturgical Drawing, Maria d.c. Zamora, Claretian Resources, Philippines. ("Download and use these for free.")
  • Luke 3:10-18 at Cerezo Barredo's weekly gospel illustration. Liberation emphasis.
  • Clip Art, Julius Schnoor von Carolsfeld woodcuts, World Mission Collection, Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod.
  • Commercial Sites:
    • "Earth Movers," Luke 3:7-18, graphics/films/worship ideas from Lumicon.
• Hymns and Music:
  • "If I Have Two Coats" a hymn by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette, is a reminder of John the Baptist's teaching for us to live differently. Tune: LYONS 10.10.11.11 ("O Worship the King, All Glorious Above!") or HANOVER 10.10.11.11 ("Ye Servants of God, Your Master Proclaim").
  • “John Went Out to Preach God's Word” is an original hymn by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette inspired by John the Baptizer’s call to ethical living and pointing to the Messiah’s coming. This hymn was commissioned by The Presbyterian Outlook magazine for new Advent text-related hymns to Christmas carol tunes. Tune: MENDELSSOHN (“Hark! The Herald Angels Sing”).
  • “Down by the Jordan,” Carolyn Winfrey Gillette’s hymn celebrates Jesus’ baptism and baptism today. The hymn is in the United Methodists’ Worship and Song (2011). Tune: LOBE DEN HERREN 14.14.4.7.8 (“Praise Ye the Lord, the Almighty”).
  • Hymnary.org, hymns, scores, media, information.
  • Contemporary/Praise Song suggestions, Together to Celebrate, David MacGregor.
  • Hymns with Scripture Allusions: Luke 3:16. The Cyber Hymnal.
• Fine Arts Images Linked at The Text This Week's Art Index:
  • John the Baptist
• Movies scenes with the following themes, listed at The Text This Week's Movie Concordance:
  • John the Baptist Types
  • Prophecy
  • Judgment
  • Justice/Injustice
• Find Worship Resources & Suggested Other Readings for use with this text:
  • Advent 3C
• Study Links and Resources for the Book of Luke

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