Advent · Second Sunday in Advent · Year C
Luke 3:1-14
John the Baptist Prepares the Way
December 5, 2027
Overview & Insights
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)
Nicodemus is introduced as a particular example of the “believers” mentioned in 2:23–25. As a “ member of the Jewish ruling council ” and “ Israel’s teacher ” (vv. 1, 10), he is perhaps not wholly typical of the group, though later indications are that leaders of the people were indeed conspicuous among these so-called believers (12:42). It is probably out of fear that Nicodemus comes to Jesus at night. Speaking perhaps for the larger group, he makes a confession that puts the narrator’s summary (2:23) into his own words: Rabbi, we know you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the miraculous signs you are doing if God were not with him (v. 2).
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Take it further: Luke 3:1-14
Commentary
Luke 3:1-6Lk 3:1-6 Working Preacher
The Lutheran home voice on the opening of this reading, John's ministry set against the powers of the day.
Luke 3:1-6Lk 3:1-6 Center for Excellence in Preaching
A Reformed preaching commentary on the naming of Roman and Jewish rulers before John's word breaks in.
Luke 3Lk 3 Enduring Word · David Guzik
A verse by verse evangelical commentary on John's preaching and his call to concrete repentance.
Luke 3 CommentaryLk 3 Commentary Precept Austin
A deep study page gathering Greek word studies and many expositors on Luke 3.
Classic commentaries on Luke 3:1Classic commentaries on Lk 3:1 BibleHub
A classic aggregator stacking Barnes, Gill, and other historic commentators on this verse.
Luke 3, Barnes' NotesLk 3, Barnes' Notes StudyLight
Albert Barnes' notes on the chapter.
Who Needs a Prophet?, Advent 2 (C) Sermons That Work · Episcopal Church
An Episcopal model sermon for the Second Sunday of Advent in Year C.
Background & Word Study
The Church Fathers
Questions preachers ask
Why is this read on Holy Cross Day?
Jesus tells Nicodemus that “as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up” (John 3:14). The bronze serpent of Numbers 21 becomes a sign of the cross: all who look in faith to the crucified and risen Christ are healed and given eternal life. The reading holds John 3:16, the gospel in miniature.
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