Messengers from John the Baptist

Luke 7:18–35
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A university student was seen with a large “K” on his T-shirt. When someone asked him what the “K” stood for, he said, “Confused.” “But,” the questioner replied, “you don’t spell “confused“ with a “K.&r … More

Confusion

John the Baptist was cast into prison shortly after he introduced Christ to Israel. He was put there for speaking out against the adulterous relationship King Herod was having with his brother’s wife, Herodias. This time period can be outlined as follows:

Confusion (vv. 18-20) - John knew what Jesus was doing because John’s own disciples had kept him informed. However, he began to entertain doubts and could not understand why Jesus did not declare His Messiahship and set up His kingdom. John’s doubts were natural, and Jesus didn’t rebuke him for them. Instead He responded in a way that John would understand.
Confirmation (vv. 21-23) - In order to get some answers John sent two of his disciples to Jesus. Jesus did not give these men a lecture on theology but instead invited them to watch as he healed the sick, cast out demons and gave sight to the blind. After they had seen the evidences of His power, He told them to return to John and tell him what they had seen.
Commendation (vv. 24-30) - After John’s disciples had departed Jesus publicly commended John for his ministry. He told them how John was the prophet predicted by Isaiah (v. 27).
Condemnation (vv. 31-35) - Following His commendation of John, the Lord gave a condemnation of that generation for refusing to accept either Himself or John. The Pharisees weren’t troubled by their inconsistency toward John and Jesus.. They were good at justifying themselves. Most of us can also find reasons to do or to believe whatever suits our purposes.

Application

We are all prone at times to feel that we have been neglected and forgotten because the Lord does not speak words of endorsement directly to us. But I can be assured that if I have sought to be faithful to Him, He will always approve me before the Father.

Luke 7:18-35 (English Standard Version)

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