11.2.25 Luke 7:18-35

Prepare

I’m Ken. We're reading today from Luke 7:18-35. A prayer - Lord, prepare my heart to hear your word today. Amen.

Read – Luke 7:18-35

John’s disciples told him about all these things. Calling two of them, he sent them to the Lord to ask, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?”

When the men came to Jesus, they said, “John the Baptist sent us to you to ask, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?’”

At that very time Jesus cured many who had diseases, sicknesses and evil spirits, and gave sight to many who were blind. So he replied to the messengers, “Go back and report to John what you have seen and heard: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.”

After John’s messengers left, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swayed by the wind? If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear expensive clothes and indulge in luxury are in palaces. But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written:

“‘I will send my messenger ahead of you,
    who will prepare your way before you.’

I tell you, among those born of women there is no one greater than John; yet the one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.”

(All the people, even the tax collectors, when they heard Jesus’ words, acknowledged that God’s way was right, because they had been baptized by John. But the Pharisees and the experts in the law rejected God’s purpose for themselves, because they had not been baptized by John.)

Jesus went on to say, “To what, then, can I compare the people of this generation? What are they like? They are like children sitting in the marketplace and calling out to each other:

“‘We played the pipe for you,
    and you did not dance;
we sang a dirge,
    and you did not cry.’

For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and you say, ‘He has a demon.’ The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’ But wisdom is proved right by all her children.” 

Reflect

John the Baptist is a significant player in the gospel story. We know him as the herald of Jesus. We know him as the baptizer of Jesus. And this is also surprising. We know him as the hero of Jesus.

Jesus affirms the ministry of his predecessor. There is no one greater than John. How often have you heard a Christian leader endorse and affirm the leader before them? Or is it just a conspiracy of silence?

Be

Take time to remember and give thanks for those who have ministered to us, shaped our Christian lives, and passed on their legacy to us. 

Become

Lord, shape my heart to trust in Your power to bring life to the broken places in me and in those around me.

Do

Ask God to help us fulfill our ministry and service in our time. That we may leave a legacy in the lives of others.

Take time to pray.

Practice:

Dear Lord, thank you for those who model Christian discipleship. Taught us the gospel and shaped our lives. Help us today to pass on the good news to those we meet by our lives, our conduct, and our conversation.