A HISTORICAL CONTEXT. Luke 3:1-2. Tiberius was designated Roman Emperor on September 18, 14. Therefore, the 15th year of the reign of Tiberus was about 27 or 28 AD. (it varies if using the Jewish or the Roman method of counting the years of reign).

The rest of the historical figures lived during the same period of time: Pontius Pilate (26-36); Herod (4 BC-39 AD); Philip (4 BC-34 AD); Lysanias (14-29).

Caiaphas was High Priest from 18 until 36 AD. Annas was still considered as a High Priest by most of the people.B THE BAPTISM OF JOHN. Luke 3:3-18. Johns baptism by immersion went through two phases: Going down into the water: A public sign of repentance. Coming out of the water: Being born again. An inner change that is revealed by doing justice. As they came out of the water, John urged them to bear fruits worthy of repentance. He also told them that a greater baptism was about to come: with the Holy Spirit and fire. (Luke 3:16). What is that baptism about?C THE BAPTISM OF JESUS. Luke 3:21-22. Jesus and His Father. Luke 2:49.

For the first time the child Jesus looked upon the temple He beheld the bleeding victim upon the altar of sacrifice Day by day He saw their meaning more clearly The mystery of His mission was opening to the Saviour. E.G.W. (The Desire of Ages, cp. 8, pg. 57) There were three solemn declarations when Jesus began His ministry: He was the Lamb of God, Saviour of the world (John 1:29). He was the Christ, anointed by the Holy Spirit (Luke 3:22). He was the Son of God in whom the Father had delight (Luke 3:22).D THE TEMPTATIONS.

The first temptation: If you are the Son of God. Luke 4:1-4.

God told Adam and Eve: for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die. (Gn. 2:17). The devil told them: You will not surely die. (Gn. 3:4). They doubted God and believed the devil. The Father just told Jesus: You are My beloved Son. (Lk. 3:22). The devil introduced doubt: If You are the Son of God (Lk. 4:3). Nevertheless, Jesus didnt doubt but held on to the Word of His Father. The second temptation: Who shall we worship? Luke 4:5-8.

We shouldnt trust our own strength or wisdom to overcome temptation. We must trust the everlasting Word of God like Jesus did. Lets follow Jesus example. God must be the center and the everything of our worship. The third temptation: Victory over temptation. Luke 4:9-13.

This time, the devil used the Word of God. He asked Jesus to prove He was actually the Son of God. If Jesus had done so, He would have accepted He doubted His own divinity and mission. Jesus overcame every temptation.E JESUS OVERCAME, YOU WILL ALSO DO. 1 Corinthians 10:13.

Nobody is free from temptation. When God allows the devil to tempt us, He also gives us grace and power to overcome temptation. No two temptations are alike. We wont be tempted beyond our abilities.