Scripture:
Luke 7:18-30 (English Standard Version)
Messengers from John the Baptist
18(A) (B) The disciples of John reported all these things to him. And John, 19calling two of his disciples to him, sent them to the Lord, saying, "Are you the one(C) who is to come, or(D) shall we look for another?" 20And when the men had come to him, they said, "John the Baptist has sent us to you, saying, 'Are you the one(E) who is to come, or(F) shall we look for another?'" 21In that hour(G) he healed many people of diseases and plagues and evil spirits, and(H) on many who were blind he bestowed sight. 22And he answered them, "Go and tell John what you have seen and heard:(I) the blind receive their sight, the lame walk,(J) lepers[a] are cleansed, and(K) the deaf hear,(L) the dead are raised up,(M) the poor have good news preached to them. 23And blessed is the one who is(N) not offended by me."
24When John’s messengers had gone, Jesus[b] began to speak to the crowds concerning John: "What did you go out(O) into the wilderness to see?(P) A reed shaken by the wind? 25What then did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing? Behold, those who are dressed in splendid clothing and live in luxury are in kings’ courts. 26What then did you go out to see?(Q) A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 27This is he of whom it is written, (R) "'Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way before you.'
28I tell you, among those born of women none is greater than John. Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he." 29((S) When all the people heard this, and(T) the tax collectors too, they declared God just,[c](U) having been baptized with the baptism of John, 30(V) but the Pharisees and(W) the lawyers(X) rejected(Y) the purpose of God for themselves, not having been baptized by him.)
Footnotes:
Luke 7:22 Leprosy was a term for several skin diseases; see Leviticus 13
Luke 7:24 Greek he
Luke 7:29 Greek they justified God
Cross references:
Luke 7:18 : For Luke 7:18-35, Matt 11:2-19
Luke 7:18 : Matt 9:14
Luke 7:19 : John 4:25; 6:14; 11:27
Luke 7:19 : Luke 3:15
Luke 7:20 : Luke 7:19
Luke 7:20 : Luke 7:19
Luke 7:21 : Mark 1:34
Luke 7:21 : Luke 18:42; Matt 9:30; 12:22; 15:31; 20:34; 21:14; Mark 8:25; John 9:7
Luke 7:22 : Isa 29:18; 35:5, 6; Matt 15:30
Luke 7:22 : Luke 17:14
Luke 7:22 : Mark 7:35
Luke 7:22 : Luke 7:14
Luke 7:22 : Luke 4:18; Matt 5:3; James 2:5
Luke 7:23 : Isa 8:14, 15; John 6:61
Luke 7:24 : Luke 1:80; 3:2
Luke 7:24 : Eph 4:14; James 1:6
Luke 7:26 : Luke 1:76; 20:6; Matt 14:5
Luke 7:27 : Mark 1:2; Mal 3:1; Luke 1:17, 76
Luke 7:29 : Luke 20:6
Luke 7:29 : Luke 3:12; Matt 21:32
Luke 7:29 : Acts 18:25; 19:3
Luke 7:30 : Matt 21:25, 32; 23:13
Luke 7:30 : Luke 10:25; 11:45, 46, 52; 14:3; Matt 22:35
Luke 7:30 : Mark 7:9
Luke 7:30 : Acts 2:23; 13:36
Reflection:
How do we know that Jesus is who he claims to be, the Son of God, Messiah, and Savior of the world? Is our faith a blind leap we must take without certainty or proof? John the Baptist sends his disciples to question Jesus about his claim to be God's anointed Messiah. Did John have doubts about Jesus and his claim to divinity? Not likely, since John revealed Jesus' mission at the River Jordan when he exclaimed, Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world (John 1:29). John saw from a distance what Jesus would accomplish through his death on the cross -- our redemption from bondage to sin and death and our adoption as sons and daughers of God and citizens of the kingdom of heaven. John very likely sent his disciples to Jesus because he wanted them to hear and see firsthand for themselves the signs and proof that the Messiah had indeed come in the person of Jesus Christ. The miracles which Jesus performed and his message about the kingdom or reign of God directly fulfilled what the prophets had foretold (see Isaiah 29:18-19; 35:5-6; 61:1). Isaiah had prophesied that the Messiah would come in the power of the Holy Spirit to bring freedom to those oppressed by sin and evil (see Isaiah 61:1-2). Jesus came to set people free from the worst tyranny possible -- the tyranny of slavery to sin and the fear of death, and the destruction of both body and soul. God's power alone can save us from emptiness and poverty of spirit, from confusion and error, and from the fear of death and hopelessness. The gospel of salvation is "good news" for us today. Do you know the joy and freedom of the gospel?
Prayer For The Day:
Lord Jesus, you are the fulfillment of all our hopes and desires. Your Spirit brings us grace, truth, life, and freedom. Fill me with the joy of the gospel and inflame my heart with love and zeal for you and for your will
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