Author : T.O.D. Johnston
Luke 7:18-50.Verses 18-35. John the Baptist sends 2 disciples to Jesus.The disciples of John are asked to watch the works Jesus was performing as the fulfillment of Scripture concerning the Messiah. Jesus calls John the greatest of all prophets because he was the forerunner of Jesus, the Lamb of God.Verses 18,19. John was already in prison, and must have heard of some of the things Jesus was doing and saying. Jesus was not bringing judgment against the sinners; He was not organizing a revolt, he was not becoming a political leader. He had left John in prison. John was confused and did not understand what was actually going on. He was after all a fallible human being.Verses 20-22. It was while Jesus was involved in many works of mercy through healing that the disciples of John came and questioned Him. Jesus does not immediately reply but continues to perform works that show divine love, mercy, and power. He gives sight to the blind, makes the lame walk, the deaf hear, the lepers clean, raises the dead, and also preaches the glad tidings.By mentioning all this, Jesus wants to remind John of Isaiah 35:5,6 and 51:1 where the works of the promised Messiah are described. As Jesus fulfills these prophecies they become the proof that He is the Promised One.Verse 23. In these words Jesus warns that these proofs are so obvious and unmistakable that no one should question that. Jesus is doing exactly what He is supposed to.Verse 24. After John's disciples leave, Jesus asks a number of rhetorical questions of those who remain. Questions that He expects no answers to. His answers proclaim the greatness of John, His forerunner.First: John is determined and unwavering, not influenced by the opinions of others. He remained true to his mission. By sending messengers, John was questioning Jesus' methods obviously misunderstanding Jesus' mission as the suffering servant.Verse 25. The second question - also requiring a negative answer shows the Baptist denying himself any earthy comforts or luxury, only rough clothing and simple food. This was effective in showing his motives - preaching repentance. Quite a contrast to most modern media preachers in our time.Verse 26. Through his preaching, John not only prophesied about the coming of the Messiah but also, saw Him and pointed Him out as the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. He was therefore more than a prophet.Verse 27. John was prophesied by Malachi 3:1 as the forerunner sent to call the people to a change of heart and life toward God and therefore to be ready to accept and obey the Promised Messiah.Verse 28. The Old Testament prophets only were given pieces of what Jesus was to be. John however was the living prophet when Jesus began His ministry - His herald. He also baptized Jesus, and witnessed before men that He was the Saviour.Though the most important prophet - being the closest to Christ - yet he takes a lower place than every believer of the New Testament. John was part of the preparation - yet he did not actually understand the complete mission of Jesus which was not finished until the death and resurrection. Long before that time John had been killed. Jesus is the Messenger of the New Covenant.The author taught from the Gospel of Luke at Paran Baptist Church on Highway 341 / Johnsonville Hwy in Lake City, South Carolina. This commentary is based on the notes he took in preparation for the lessons. He now enjoys spending his time with his family, and at his art studio on 118 Sauls St., Lake City, South Carolina. The above lesson was excerpted from his online Holy Bible Commentaries.
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