JESUS TEACHES ABOUT JOHN

Passage: Luke 7:24-35

Key verse: 28

NIV

24 After John’s messengers left, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swayed by the wind? 25 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. 26 But what did you go out to see? A prophet?(A) Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 27 This is the one about whom it is written:

“‘I will send my messenger ahead of you,
    who will prepare your way before you.’[a](B)

28 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(C) is greater than he.”

29 (All the people, even the tax collectors, when they heard Jesus’ words, acknowledged that God’s way was right, because they had been baptized by John.(D) 30 But the Pharisees and the experts in the law(E) rejected God’s purpose for themselves, because they had not been baptized by John.)

31 Jesus went on to say, “To what, then, can I compare the people of this generation? What are they like? 32 They are like children sitting in the marketplace and calling out to each other:

“‘We played the pipe for you,
    and you did not dance;
we sang a dirge,
    and you did not cry.’

33 For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine,(F) and you say, ‘He has a demon.’ 34 The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’(G) 35 But wisdom is proved right by all her children.”

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Footnotes
  1. Luke 7:27 Mal. 3:1
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Source: BibleGateway

ESV

24 When John's messengers had gone, Jesus[a] began to speak to the crowds concerning John: “What did you go out (A)into the wilderness to see? (B)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? (C)A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 27 This is he of whom it is written,

(D)“‘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 ((E)When all the people heard this, and (F)the tax collectors too, they declared God just,[b] (G)having been baptized with (H)the baptism of John, 30 (I)but the Pharisees and (J)the lawyers (K)rejected (L)the purpose of God for themselves, not having been baptized by him.)

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 (M)eating no bread and (N)drinking no wine, and you say, ‘He has a demon.’ 34 The Son of Man has come (O)eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Look at him! A glutton and a drunkard, (P)a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ 35 Yet (Q)wisdom is justified by all her children.”

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Footnotes
  1. Luke 7:24 Greek he
  2. Luke 7:29 Greek they justified God
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. God's way (24-30)

John taught men God's way: repent and welcome Jesus. This is the way of life and the way to the kingdom of God. John preached repentance in the desert, and people came to him. They were not seeking an easy life. They went to find the way of life. John was a man sent by God to fulfill God's promise and prepare the way for Jesus. He was great because his mission was great. Those who repent realize that God's way is right. Those who refuse to repent are rejecting God's purpose for themselves.

2. Jesus, friend of sinners (31-34)

Jesus said that the people of his generation were like children playing a game. They did not want to repent, so they saw God's servants from a human point of view. John lived an austere life, and they said, 'He had a demon.' They rejected Jesus because he was a friend to sinners. These wise men were fools.

Prayer: Lord, I come to repent and be forgiven. Thank you for being my friend.

One Word: God's way is right