Luke 3

Another two testimonies are added which shed light on the identity of Jesus - before his miracles prove he is God in the flesh.

Firstly, John the Baptist, who tells us Jesus is 'the salvation of God'. He challenges the crowds about their repentance, and notice his understanding of the true descendents of Abraham - 'God is able from these stones to raise up children for Abraham'. In other words, true citizenship of God's kingdom was not hereditary - it was obtained by grace through faith with repentance.

Notice also the strong language about Jesus in verse 17. He will gather the wheat, and burn the chaff.

The second testimony about the identity of Jesus comes from God himself - 'You are my beloved son, with whom I am well pleased.' In one statement, we are told everything we need to know that Jesus could save us from our sins - he was without sin. He had been a perfectly obedient Son to his Father in heaven.

Finally, to add weight to the reality of Jesus in history, Luke finishes the chapter with a genealogy. He is saying 'Whatever else you think about Jesus, be sure of one thing - he is real!' When we start to confront the truth about Jesus, we are forced to consider our own response.