1/26 Quiet Time (Luke 7:18-35 ESV)

18 The disciples of John reported all these things to him. And John, 19 calling two of his disciples to him, sent them to the Lord, saying, “Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?” 20 And when the men had come to him, they said, “John the Baptist has sent us to you, saying, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?’” 21 In that hour he healed many people of diseases and plagues and evil spirits, and on many who were blind he bestowed sight. 22 And he answered them, “Go and tell John what you have seen and heard: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, the poor have good news preached to them. 23 And blessed is the one who is not offended by me.”

Why does John the Baptist doubt Jesus? John was specially chosen by God to pave the way for Jesus. He declared the good news and told people to repent. But why does he make his disciples ask if Jesus is really the one to come? He even adds, "shall we look for another?" (v.19) - as if to emphasize, "are you really the Messiah, the one I've been preaching about?" Is it because he's in prison? Is it because he's thinking of how he has ended up in prison, after all that he's done for the coming King?

 

Verse 21 states that Jesus was curing many people with diseases at the time when John's disciples asked Him. He's been helping the needy and sick, even raising the dead (Luke 7:11-17). And so Jesus' preachings and miracles have been reported to John. Despite the great miracles, however, Jesus, doesn't perform the miracle of freeing John the Baptist.

24 When John's messengers had gone, Jesus began to speak to the crowds concerning John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? 25 What 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. 26 What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 27 This is he of whom it is written, “‘Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way before you.’ 28 I 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 (When all the people heard this, and the tax collectors too, they declared God just, having been baptized with the baptism of John, 30 but the Pharisees and the lawyers rejected the purpose of God for themselves, not having been baptized by him.)

Instead, Jesus acknowledges John the Baptist as a great prophet in front of the crowd. 

31 “To what then shall I compare the people of this generation, and what are they like? 32 They are like children sitting in the marketplace and calling to one another, “‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not weep.’ 33 For John the Baptist has come eating no bread and drinking no wine, and you say, ‘He has a demon.’ 34 The Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Look at him! A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ 35 Yet wisdom is justified by all her children.”

Jesus shuts down all criticisms and takes John's side. That's the only thing Jesus does for him, instead of rescuing him or putting him out of his hardship.

 

Jesus acknowledging me in front of people is everything I want in the whole world. I always want to know how Jesus thinks of me, whether I'm going the right way or not. But would I rejoice if Jesus praised me in my darkest hour? Would I still be satisfied with His encouraging words, despite horrible circumstances? I know Jesus' acknowledgement was not what John needed at the time, but I pray that I always long for His acceptance and praise, in all situations.