Introduction

Luke 7:18–35: Earlier this month, on January 10, we read that John the Baptist had been imprisoned by Herod (Luke 3:20). From prison, John sends messengers to ask Jesus if he is the long-awaited Messiah. Jesus tells them to report to John what they have seen and heard. Then Jesus tells the crowd that John is a prophet and the forerunner sent by God (see Luke 1:76–77). Jesus compares those who doubt to a group of quarreling children, saying that some don’t agree with John’s ways because his ways are too strict; yet they don’t like Jesus’s ways because they are not strict enough.

Today’s Key Verse: Luke 7:35

[Jesus said:] “God’s wisdom, however, is shown to be true by all who accept it.”

Reading

18 When John’s disciples told him about all these things, he called two of them 19 and sent them to the Lord to ask him, “Are you the one John said was going to come, or should we expect someone else?”

20 When they came to Jesus, they said, “John the Baptist sent us to ask if you are the one he said was going to come, or should we expect someone else?”

21 At that very time Jesus healed many people from their sicknesses, diseases, and evil spirits, and gave sight to many blind people. 22 He answered John’s messengers, “Go back and tell John what you have seen and heard: the blind can see, the lame can walk, those who suffer from dreaded skin diseases are made clean, the deaf can hear, the dead are raised to life, and the Good News is preached to the poor. 23 How happy are those who have no doubts about me!”

24 After John’s messengers had left, Jesus began to speak about him to the crowds: “When you went out to John in the desert, what did you expect to see? A blade of grass bending in the wind? 25 What did you go out to see? A man dressed up in fancy clothes? People who dress like that and live in luxury are found in palaces! 26 Tell me, what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes indeed, but you saw much more than a prophet. 27 For John is the one of whom the scripture says: ‘God said, I will send my messenger ahead of you to open the way for you.’ 28 I tell you,” Jesus added, “John is greater than anyone who has ever lived. But the one who is least in the Kingdom of God is greater than John.”

29 All the people heard him; they and especially the tax collectors were the ones who had obeyed God’s righteous demands and had been baptized by John. 30 But the Pharisees and the teachers of the Law rejected God’s purpose for themselves and refused to be baptized by John.

31 Jesus continued, “Now to what can I compare the people of this day? What are they like? 32 They are like children sitting in the marketplace. One group shouts to the other, ‘We played wedding music for you, but you wouldn’t dance! We sang funeral songs, but you wouldn’t cry!’ 33 John the Baptist came, and he fasted and drank no wine, and you said, ‘He has a demon in him!’ 34 The Son of Man came, and he ate and drank, and you said, ‘Look at this man! He is a glutton and wine drinker, a friend of tax collectors and other outcasts!’ 35 God’s wisdom, however, is shown to be true by all who accept it.”

Reflect

Why do you think John sent the messengers? How does Jesus respond to them and to John? What does his response indicate about his mission and ministry? Jesus says to John’s messengers, “Happy are those who have no doubts about me!” (verse 23). If someone were to ask you about your faith in Jesus, what answer would you give?

Pray

Lord Jesus, I have no doubts about you, and I believe that you are the promised Messiah who has come into the world to proclaim the Good News of God’s love and salvation. In my faith journey, open my eyes and ears to see and hear what you would have me learn. Speak to me, and by the power of your Holy Spirit may I discern your will. To you be honor and glory and praise forever! Amen.

Tomorrow’s Reading

Luke 7:36–50: A woman washes Jesus’s feet with her tears.