Knowing The Word in Luke 7:24-35, Jesus Speaks about John the Baptist

When asked about John the Baptist, Jesus quotes Malachi 3:1. The reference shows that John has the honor of being the forerunner of Jesus the Messiah. The people baptized for the forgiveness of their sins by John accepted the ways of God and did not try to constrain him in a box of their own making. It seems the smug Pharisees found nothing to repent of and rejected God’s way and his will, being content to argue over minute points of the law. The inability to accept one’s own sinful and hurtful nature, opens a chasm between one and God. Because John’s teaching was too uncomfortable, the Pharisees called him the opposite of what he was. Yet these same people shunned the low company Jesus kept. To win sinners for God, he freely associated with them. Some people cannot be pleased. They will accept neither John nor Jesus. They simply reject the plans of God. But those who are wise will accept both John and Jesus and will not walk in the critical ways of those who can never be pleased.

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

“‘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 (When all the people heard this, and the tax collectors too, they declared God just, having been baptized with the baptism of John, 30 but the Pharisees and the lawyers rejected 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 eating no bread and drinking no wine, and you say, ‘He has a demon.’ 34 The Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Look at him! A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ 35 Yet wisdom is justified by all her children.”

Prayer:

God, I want your guidance and direction in all I do. Let your wisdom counsel me, your hand lead me, and your arm support me. I put myself into your hands. Breathe into my soul holy and heavenly desires. Conform me to your own image. Make me like my Savior. Enable me in some measure to live here on earth as he lived, and to act in all things as he would have acted.

Ashton Oxemden, 1808-1892