JESUS ENCOURAGES JOHN AND HIS DISCIPLES

Passage: Luke 7:18-23

Key verse: 22

NIV

Jesus and John the Baptist(A)

18 John’s(B) disciples(C) told him about all these things. Calling two of them, 19 he sent them to the Lord to ask, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?”

20 When the men came to Jesus, they said, “John the Baptist sent us to you to ask, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?’”

21 At that very time Jesus cured many who had diseases, sicknesses(D) and evil spirits, and gave sight to many who were blind. 22 So he replied to the messengers, “Go back and report to John what you have seen and heard: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy[a] are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor.(E) 23 Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.”

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Footnotes
  1. Luke 7:22 The Greek word traditionally translated leprosy was used for various diseases affecting the skin.
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Source: BibleGateway

ESV

Messengers from John the Baptist

18 (A)(B)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 (C)who is to come, or (D)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 (E)who is to come, or (F)shall we look for another?’” 21 In that hour (G)he healed many people of diseases and plagues and evil spirits, and (H)on many who were blind he bestowed sight. 22 And 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. 23 And blessed is the one who is (N)not offended by me.”

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Footnotes
  1. Luke 7:22 Leprosy was a term for several skin diseases; see Leviticus 13
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
Source: BibleGateway

1. Are you the one who was to come? (18-20)

John was in prison. He had called the people of his time to repent, and had even challenged King Herod's immoral life. He did these things to prepare for the Lord's coming. He had been arrested and soon would be killed. In the meantime, Jesus' popularity was growing. John began to wonder if he had wasted his life. He called two of his disciples and sent them to Jesus. He did the best thing to do when doubts arise. He asked Jesus.

2. Report what you have seen and heard (21-23)

Jesus offered no words of human sympathy. He simply described his messianic ministry in terms which Isaiah had used to define it. (Isa 61:1; 35:5,6) Jesus' ministry fit God's word. This verifies God's faithfulness and his truthfulness. God doesn't promise anyone an easy life. He promises real life--eternal life.

Prayer: Lord, strengthen me with your word in times of stress and hardship.

One Word: Don't fall away--look at Jesus