Luke 3:23–38

Find a quiet place, alone and apart from distractions. Be comfortably alert, still, and at peace. Say the Lord’s Prayer. Sing or cant the Jesus Prayer. Pray for family, friends, neighbors, and yourself. Slowly and carefully read the passage of Scripture.

1.         The genealogy of Luke chapter 3 differs from that of the one found in Matthew chapter 1. Some have thought Matthew has Joseph’s genealogy while Luke has Mary’s. A better understanding of the differences may be that Matthew traces the royal dissent (kings or leaders at the time), while Luke gives an actual familial 8account. Still the differences in the two lists exist and without an explanation that satisfies everyone.

2.         Jesus was born about 5 BC and began His ministry at about age 28. It is not definite how long Jesus’ public ministry lasted. Some say 3 years, others 4, and some even longer.

3.         His crucifixion then would have been about 30 to 32 AD. We notice that in verse 23, Joseph is the son of Heli while Matthew has Jacob and not Heli. Reconciling the two genealogies will give one a big headache in no time.

4.         Jesus is not a mythological, magical entity like so many in the world’s religions. Jesus lived at a certain time, in a real place. He was born of a woman, died due to crucifixion, was buried then rose from the dead. And He did ascend into heaven and will return one day to judge the living and the dead.

5.         Jesus is the Son of God, one with the Father and the Holy Spirit. And yes, no one of us, at least while on the planet, will have a clear understanding of it all. This is a part of what faith is all about. “We see,” as Paul said, “in a mirror dimly, but then face to face” (1 Corinthians 13:12).