Have you ever found yourself earnestly seeking God, diligently searching for His presence?
In Luke 7:18-30, we encounter John the Baptist, not as a doubter, but as a devoted seeker of truth, grappling with the weighty responsibility of recognizing the Messiah. As we delve into this passage, let’s explore how John’s example challenges us to deepen our faith by actively seeking God and testing all things against His Word.
Reconnect: Continuing our journey through the Gospel of Luke, this passage follows Jesus’ miraculous raising of a widow’s son in the village of Nain. In this encounter with John the Baptist, we witness how even the most steadfast believers may wrestle with the responsibility of recognizing God’s presence amidst uncertainty. While John seeks confirmation of Jesus’ identity and compares it to the Scriptures, the Pharisees, who should have recognized the signs of the Messiah, fail to acknowledge Jesus despite witnessing His miraculous works.
(Summarized and continued after scripture)
18The disciples of John reported to him about all these things. 19Summoning two of his disciples, John sent them to the Lord, saying, “Are You the Expected One, or do we look for someone else?” 20When the men came to Him, they said, “John the Baptist has sent us to You, to ask, ‘Are You the Expected One, or do we look for someone else?’” 21At that very time He cured many people of diseases and afflictions and evil spirits; and He gave sight to many who were blind. 22And He answered and said to them, “Go and report to John what you have seen and heard: the BLIND RECEIVE SIGHT, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, the POOR HAVE THE GOSPEL PREACHED TO THEM. 23“Blessed is he who does not take offense at Me.”
24When the messengers of John had left, He began to speak to the crowds about John, “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? 25“But what did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing? Those who are splendidly clothed and live in luxury are found in royal palaces! 26“But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I say to you, and one who is more than a prophet.
27“This is the one about whom it is written,
‘BEHOLD, I SEND MY MESSENGER AHEAD OF YOU,
WHO WILL PREPARE YOUR WAY BEFORE YOU.’
28“I say to you, among those born of women there is no one greater than John; yet he who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.” 29When all the people and the tax collectors heard this, they acknowledged God’s justice, having been baptized with the baptism of John. 30But the Pharisees and the lawyers rejected God’s purpose for themselves, not having been baptized by John.
Summary Key Points:
- John the Baptist, imprisoned by Herod Antipas, sends messengers to Jesus with a pivotal question: “Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?” (Luke 7:18-20).
- Jesus responds by pointing to the evidence of His ministry, performing miraculous signs, and affirming His identity as the long-awaited Messiah (Luke 7:21-23).
- Rather than rebuking John for his inquiry, Jesus commends him as a prophet and praises his role in preparing the way for the Messiah (Luke 7:24-28).
- While John seeks confirmation of Jesus’ identity and compares it to the Scriptures, the Pharisees, who should have recognized the signs of the Messiah, reject Jesus and ultimately conspire to have Him killed.
Call to Action:
- Seek God Diligently: Let us follow John the Baptist’s example by actively seeking God’s presence in our lives through prayer, Scripture study, and fellowship with believers. Cultivate a heart that earnestly desires to know and experience God more deeply.
- Test All Things: Like John, let us test what we see and hear against the truth of Scripture. Be discerning in our spiritual walk, seeking guidance from the Holy Spirit and remaining steadfast in our commitment to God’s Word.
- Bear Witness to Truth: Embrace the responsibility of bearing witness to the truth of Jesus Christ in our lives and communities. Share the Gospel boldly, pointing others to the reality of God’s saving grace and the transformative power of His Son.
Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, grant us the wisdom and discernment to seek Your presence earnestly and to test all things against the truth of Your Word. Like John the Baptist, may we be devoted seekers of truth, steadfast in our faith and unwavering in our commitment to You. Empower us to bear faithful witness to the reality of Your Son, Jesus Christ, and His redemptive work in our lives. In His name, we pray. Amen.
May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.
John Golda
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