These study guides coordinate with the New Testament Interactive Board.
Interesting insights that are not included in the study guides because I wrote these in the margins. More study guides for these scriptures may be added to check back.
Luke 3:3-6 -- Luke quoted a prophecy from Isaiah to describe the mission of John the Baptist (Isaiah 40:3-5)
Mark is unique by opening with the account of Jesus's baptism. This may be reflected by the Apostle Peter's pattern in teaching people about Jesus Christ. His baptism marked the important starting point in the Savior's public ministry.
Mark 1:22 -- Scribes were considered experts in the legal aspects of the law of Moses. They added greater weight and authority to their teacher in appealing to former authorities and experts.
Mark 1: 23-27 -- Satan can have no power over us without our consent.
The Pharisees and Sadducees
The winnowing fan is what John is referring to in Matthew 3:12 (see New Testament Institute Student Manual)
The Pharisees believed in the resurrection; the Sadducees did not. They were not enemies of Jesus, they did agree on many of Jesus' teachings. Some Pharisees would later join the Apostles. Paul was a Pharisee.
The Baptism of Jesus Christ
From Nazareth, Jesus would have walked about 60 miles to the River Jordan.
