SEE AND HEAR WHAT GOD IS DOING

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

Before John’s imprisonment (Mt 11), God had used John the Baptist to preach a powerful message of repentance for the forgiveness of sins that turned many people’s hearts to God. It must have now been hard for his disciples to see him bound and unable to continue his work. But they were amazed at how powerfully God seemed to be working through Jesus.

When John sent two of his disciples to inquire of Jesus, Jesus told them to report back to John what they have seen and heard: "The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor." The words reflect what Isaiah prophesied, especially in Isaiah chapters 35 and 61.

When our own ministry or work seems to be struggling, we don’t have to dwell in a sense of defeat. Sometimes we just need to look around to acknowledge that God is still working mightily through his Holy Spirit. We are not alone in God’s big picture and plan.

Prayer: Lord, even in the time of trials, open our eyes to see how you are working to heal and to plant hope all around us.

One Word: Open our eyes and ears.