Word@Work Luke108 - Luke 7:24-28
Published: Fri, 05/21/10
Word@Work from BeaconLight
CHALLENGING MOTIVES
Luke 7:24-28 After John's messengers left, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: "What did you go out into the desert 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." (NIV)
Although Jesus replaced the imprisoned John the Baptist as the focus of Israel's popular interest, John was not forgotten. So Jesus challenged the crowd about their motives for going to hear John's preaching on the banks of the River Jordan. There was something very special about that man to have attracted so many. But what did he offer them? Despite his unconventional dress, John was not an unstable crank, nor was there any promise of wealth to draw the crowds. It was his message, preached with unshakable conviction that fascinated them - the prophecy that God's Messiah was about to arrive.
Although the arrival and work of Jesus was prophesied as far back as Genesis 3:15, many Jews were looking for the fulfilment of Malachi's prophecies 400 years earlier, "See, I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come," says the LORD Almighty." (Malachi 3:1). Jesus reminded them that John was the messenger and that He was the Lord. They could not just honour John as a prophet without worshipping Jesus as the Lord.
Today, it is easy to get caught up in religious excitement; admiring a fine pastor, thrilling over great music or flocking to hear a wonderful speaker. But all that is useless unless we understand that the messages are leading us to put our trust in Jesus alone. But sometimes, even the gospel messengers, like John the Baptist, get so caught up with their circumstances that it is necessary for Jesus to bring them back on track too. Likewise, great music may sway the emotions, but unless we use it to worship the Lord, it will be a spiritual waste of time. Yes, God's Word has a compelling appeal: but preacher and people alike must continue to respond to what He is saying, and worship with an undiluted heart.
Prayer: Faithful God. How I praise You for the truth of Your Word, the love of Jesus and the joy of worship. But, alas, I often miss the point. Please forgive me for hearing Your truth and yet failing to take action, for enjoying the music of worship and not giving all my love to Jesus. Please help me to avoid the mistake of admiring the packaging of truth but ignoring the message itself; so that my life will have gospel integrity, which will be a real attraction for all those who are seeking after truth where I live and work. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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You can read the verses around this Bible passage from the Internet Bible: - in English, and many other languages
Although Jesus replaced the imprisoned John the Baptist as the focus of Israel's popular interest, John was not forgotten. So Jesus challenged the crowd about their motives for going to hear John's preaching on the banks of the River Jordan. There was something very special about that man to have attracted so many. But what did he offer them? Despite his unconventional dress, John was not an unstable crank, nor was there any promise of wealth to draw the crowds. It was his message, preached with unshakable conviction that fascinated them - the prophecy that God's Messiah was about to arrive.
Although the arrival and work of Jesus was prophesied as far back as Genesis 3:15, many Jews were looking for the fulfilment of Malachi's prophecies 400 years earlier, "See, I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come," says the LORD Almighty." (Malachi 3:1). Jesus reminded them that John was the messenger and that He was the Lord. They could not just honour John as a prophet without worshipping Jesus as the Lord.
Today, it is easy to get caught up in religious excitement; admiring a fine pastor, thrilling over great music or flocking to hear a wonderful speaker. But all that is useless unless we understand that the messages are leading us to put our trust in Jesus alone. But sometimes, even the gospel messengers, like John the Baptist, get so caught up with their circumstances that it is necessary for Jesus to bring them back on track too. Likewise, great music may sway the emotions, but unless we use it to worship the Lord, it will be a spiritual waste of time. Yes, God's Word has a compelling appeal: but preacher and people alike must continue to respond to what He is saying, and worship with an undiluted heart.
Prayer: Faithful God. How I praise You for the truth of Your Word, the love of Jesus and the joy of worship. But, alas, I often miss the point. Please forgive me for hearing Your truth and yet failing to take action, for enjoying the music of worship and not giving all my love to Jesus. Please help me to avoid the mistake of admiring the packaging of truth but ignoring the message itself; so that my life will have gospel integrity, which will be a real attraction for all those who are seeking after truth where I live and work. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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