Several years ago, before Queen Elizabeth arrived in a British Commonwealth country, its people feverishly prepared a royal welcome. They gave special attention to the highway running from the airport to the capital. Each house along the way received from the government a fresh coat of paint—but only on the front of the house!
Superficial changes that people can notice—that’s all some Christians seem to ask for. Not so the preaching of John the Baptist. He asked for radical moral changes, reversals of lifestyle.

1. Repentance is not a common subject from the pulpit. Why?

2. Read Luke 3:1-14. What contrast of authorities can you see in verses 1-2a and 2b?
By this, what do you think Luke wants Theophilus and us to see?

3. Reflect on John’s dominant preaching theme in verses 3-9. How would you paraphrase this theme with contemporary relevance?

4. “A brood of vipers” is what John calls his listeners. Yet they respond positively to his message! How would you have responded?

5. John gladly answers three distinct groups asking about the practical fruits of repentance. What basic sin does John attack in each case?

6. What injustices of specific groups in your society would John attack?

7. In verses 15-20 John introduces Jesus the Christ. He has been uncompromising about the need for repentance. Now he also refuses to let the crowds think he is the expected Christ. In warning them, what picture of the Christ does he paint?

8. Like repentance, judgment is not a popular topic today among many Christians. Yet how is this also part of “the good news” (v. 18)?

9. What factors can produce powerful preachers and prophets like John for our day?

10. John’s message and ministry show what repentance should be. How would you explain repentance to an inquirer in terms that make sense to him or her?

Pray for a friend who needs this explanation.