Bible Study Notes 1/27/2026

WORD ALIVE! BIBLE STUDY ^©2026

Journey To Bethlehem and Beyond – Post Advent/Winter Series

Concord Baptist Church of Boston in Milton – Conley Hughes, Jr., Senior Pastor

Quiet Time: Max Lucado, Because of Bethlehem:

Love Is Born, Hope Is Here, 2020

Lesson 7

27 Jan.  2026

From the time of His young childhood to his redemptive deal we see a great deal of movement in the life of Jesus. from the “silence” about the details of his life for some eighteen years, we see Jesus emerging near or at 30 years old. The Scriptures do not mention where Jesus was during that period of time, but we can reasonably assume He was in Nazareth. The Scripture reintroduces us to Jesus after His appearance in the Temple at twelve, leaving the Galilee region and going to an area near the Jordan River valley where John the Baptist ministered. Jesus was aware of John’s ministry. Hearing Jesus request a baptism, John was reluctant. John’s rite was reserved for persons who were confessing their sins and seeking repentance. John knew who Jesus was and what was His mission. As Jesus was approaching, John said, “Look, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. This is the one I have been talking about…” (Jn.3:29-30, NLT). This began Jesus’ public ministry.  

Verses & Explanations for Matthew 3:13-17, NLT:

Observe Interpret Apply

(Verse 13): The Commitment to Ministry.

(Verse 14): Humility Precedes Dedication.

(Verse 15): Fulfilling God’s Plan.

(Verse 16): Confirmation of a Call to Ministry.

(Verse 17): Approbation of a Call to Service.

The Key Idea:

What We Believe!    

1.“Your word is a lamp to my feet  and a light to my path!” – Psalm 119:105

Key Verses:

Matthew 3:13, NLT:

¹³ “Then Jesus went from Galilee to the Jordan River to be baptized by John.

Matthew 3:14, NLT:

¹⁴ “But John tried to talk Him out of it. ‘I am the one who needs to be baptized by you;’ he said, ‘so why are you coming to me?’

Matthew 3:15, NLT:

¹⁵ But Jesus said, ‘It should be done, for we must carry out all that God requires.’ So John agreed to baptize Him.

Matthew 3:16, NLT:

¹⁶ After His baptism, as Jesus came up out of the water, the heavens were opened and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and settling on Him. 

Matthew 3:17, NLT:

 ¹⁷ “And a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my dearly loved Son who brings me great joy.’”

Further Reading:

Luke 3-23 NLT

²³ “Jesus was about thirty years old when He began His public ministry…”

Matthew 11:7-10, NLT

⁷ “As John’s disciples were leaving, Jesus began talking about him to the crowds. ‘What kind of man did you go into the wilderness to see? Was he a weak reed, swayed by every breath of wind. ⁸ Or were you expecting to see a man dressed in expensive clothes? No, people with expensive clothes live in palaces.  ⁹ Were you looking for a prophet? Yes, and He is more than a prophet.

¹⁰ John is the man to whom the Scriptures refer when they say, Look, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, and he will prepare your way before you.’”

Luke 11:1, NLT

1 “Once Jesus was in a certain place praying. As He finished, one of His disciples came to Him and said, “Lord teach us to pray, just as John taught His disciples.”