1. John's message of repentance (1-14)

Luke, as a good historian, mentions five Roman rulers and the Jewish high priests. God's word came to John and he preached a baptism of repentance for forgiveness of sin. He was the voice Isaiah prophesied of who would prepare the way for the Lord and his salvation. John rebuked people as snakes and warned them of God's wrath. John's message was simple: "Repent, and produce good fruit," or face the fire of God's judgment. John told people how to repent practically of greed and indifference: share with the needy and poor. Even tax collectors and soldiers responded. John told them to be honest and fair and not abusive.

2. One more powerful than John (15-20)

People wondered if John was the Messiah. But his water baptism was nothing compared with Jesus' baptism with the Holy Spirit. John wasn't worthy to untie Jesus' sandals. Jesus is much more powerful than John. Jesus will judge. John rebuked sinners and praised Jesus, and he was imprisoned for it.