Of Faith and Doubt

Open your bible with me to Luke 7:18-35

This is a rather long pericope today. So I’m thankful to for Zack in reading this passage in it’s entirety. When you stop and consider what Luke has been doing since the Sermon on the Plain in Luke 6, he has been building a case for faith in Jesus. You could add to that a case for faith in Jesus alone. And he’s given us two primary cases for faith in Jesus, namely that Jesus possesses authority over unclean spirits, disease, and near-death. And as demonstrated last week, He holds authority even over death. And now, in this passage, perhaps even to our surprise. He inserts an instance of doubt. And doubt from one who we would least expect it, namely, John the Baptist. The forerunner to Jesus. The fiery street preaching, the evangelical prophet.

Moreover, I think there is a way we can look at this passage and look disfavorably on John for having, at least, some sort of doubt, as if one who struggles with doubt is somehow lesser than or in danger of compromise. So, while it’s true that there is real danger in doubt, doubt is not meaningless. In fact, sometimes doubt is the means through which faith is bolstered. More than that, to wrestle with doubt is common. It’s common to men, and even more common for Christians.

At the top of my study, I wrote these words – of faith and doubt. How do we live in moments of doubting, in struggle? When it feels like our faith is barely hanging on, or maybe even going to fail. I think if we are honest, we have all been there. So, while it’s convenient to look at John and think, really, John. You’re doubting. If we are honest, we have to look at our own hearts and admit that this is us at times, and maybe even often. And more than doubt, I see this text points us to the reality of faith. And a faith that preservers and bears fruit.

Sermon Summary:  True faith recognizes and responds to Jesus.

This text has three primary movements, so I want to present to you three points this morning.

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I. Faith Comes To Jesus Even in Doubt (v.18-23)

Again, these texts surprise us, and I believethat’s part of Luke’s point. That even John the Baptistwould be one wrestling with faith in such apparent authoritypossessed by Jesus to this point in the narrative.

Luke 7:18–23 ESV

18 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 who is to come, or 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 who is to come, or shall we look for another?’ ” 21 In that hour he healed many people of diseases and plagues and evil spirits, and on many who were blind he bestowed sight. 22 And he answered them, “Go and tell John what you have seen and heard: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, the poor have good news preached to them. 23 And blessed is the one who is not offended by me.”

When you consider this text, it’s somewhat of a mystery as to  whyJohn is doubting. Some believe it’s not John doubting at all. But what Luke doesn’t tell us here is that what Luke has already told us of John the Baptist in Luke 3:18-20

Luke 3:18–20 ESV

18 So with many other exhortations he preached good news to the people. 19 But Herod the tetrarch, who had been reproved by him for Herodias, his brother’s wife, and for all the evil things that Herod had done, 20 added this to them all, that he locked up John in prison.

So, John the Baptist is imprisoned. And he’s imprisoned on account of preaching repentance to the wrong person. But he was nonetheless allowed to receive visitors who would keep him up to speed on what was happening in Palestine. And evidently, word of Jesus had reached John. It had first reached John’s disciples, who reported these things to John. These things would have included the raising of the dead, preaching, and casting out demons. The healing of the sick and the blind, and good news proclaimed to the poor. The gospel of the kingdom of God is coming through the person and work of Jesus.

And upon hearing this word, John calls his disciples to send to Jesus, saying Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another? I mean. This is pretty insulting, isn’t it? Jesus, are you the real deal or not! I mean, if you aren’t going to do anything, should we find someone else?

But why is John doubting? Some believe that John’s questions of doubt come from fear. I don’t think John is being gripped by fear here. One of my reasons for that is that Jesus sees John in v.24as no reed shaken in the wind. But it’s possible the prospect of being imprisoned and soon beheaded is the cause for some fear. It’s certainly possible. But not uncommon for the treatment or outlook for any of the prophets to be hated and their lives to be threatened.

I think what's more likely is that he’s looking at a less-than-desirable outcome. But moreover, I think John is wrestling with doubt because he’s confused by Jesus. Jesus, at least in some small way, isn’t meeting his expectations.  Luke 3:15-17

Luke 3:15–17 ESV

15 As the people were in expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Christ, 16 John answered them all, saying, “I baptize you with water, but he who is mightier than I is coming, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 17 His winnowing fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.”

Essentially, he’s saying, “Hey, where is the judgment?” I see the good news being preached. I hear of that…But where is the winnowing fork, and the threshing floor, where is the chaff burning in fire, JESUS!! Where is the judgment?  

A third view is that he’s doing this for the benefit of His disciples, pointing them to the true Messiah. In other words, it wasn’t for his benefit but theirs. John is doing what He’s always done. Pointing towards Jesus, even as He goes to death. The problem with this is Luke’s account doesn’t read this way, though I kind of like it. But I think what is happening is this struggle is John’s faith, because at least in some way, John is wrestling with expectations. Jesus isn’t doing what He thought, he wanted, he expected.

So here just seems strange that Jesus just says, Go tell John what you’ve seen and what you’ve heard.Ah, Jesus, that’s why they came because of what they reported to John. They heard and saw these things…And Jesus is like, well, go tell John again….because these things happen again in this very hour. The same hour of the blind receiving their sight, the lame walking, the leper cleansed, and the dead raised, and the good news is heard!

In other words, John, this is an issue of faith! And that’s what we need in our doubting. Right? We need faith. Faith to believe what we can’t seem to believe in the moment.

But why do we doubt? I think there are several reasons.

One is just a lack of assurance due to weakened faith. Perhaps because of a trial or difficulty.  Circumstances, hardships. They can often make keeping faith difficult. Where we BELIEVE, but need help in our unbelief!  (Mark 9:24)

Beyond that are spiritual trials or Dark Providences that the Lord brings in, permitting trials to test our faith. These can cause temporary confusion or a season of spiritual darkness. Such would be the prayer of the Psalmist, My God, My God, why have you forsaken me (Psalm 22:1) or of Job, though you slay me, I will hope in him (Job 13:15)

Another is spiritual attack from Satan, spiritual warfare. Satan, the accuser, actively seeks to undermine believers' confidence by reminding them of past sins or whispering lies. “The accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God." (Revelation 12:10)

Another would be our own struggle with Sin. Even regenerate believers continue to battle sin, which can cause them to question and doubt. "Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?" (Romans 7:24)

Even further, we would forget the gospel or be immature in our understanding of the gospel. A shallow grasp of justification, adoption, or sanctification can lead to misplaced confidence in our performance rather than in Christ. "Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?" (Galatians 3:3)

And then there is a neglect of Spiritual disciplines and the rhymes of grace. Drifting from God's ordained means—Scripture, prayer, church fellowship, ordinances—can weaken assurance and lead to spiritual coldness and doubt. "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God." (Matthew 4:4)
"Let us not neglect meeting together..." (Hebrews 10:25)

So, it’s possible that any and all of these could be present with John. I think I could make a case for most of them, but ultimately, we aren’t told the reason for his doubt. But that He’s nonetheless doubtful.

But here is what I don’t want us to miss here. I don’t think it's an accident that Luke places this store of John the Baptist here. I mean, of all people, we’d ever expect to find here.

Notice the last line here. 23 And blessed is the one who is not offended by me.” (Luke 7:23) That is, blessed are you, John, for not stumbling. Not stumbling over the rock of offense, who is Jesus. Who will cause many Jews to stumble, walk away from Him in doubt. And yet, here is John the forerunner to the Messiah, struggling with Doubt….but Blessed are you, John, for not stumbling. Being offended by me! And here is a man we’d never thought would be here. The fiery preacher. The unwavering and committed brother, who called others to repentance and faith in Christ. Doubting…

You know, Luke hasn’t made much of John, and He won't. None of the gospel writers really do because John’s purpose wasn’t to make much of himself. But that He would decrease, and Jesus might increase. And that’s happening here in this text, even as John’s greatestness in some small way begins to fade, and he is doubting and struggling. But beyond that….even in his doubt. He helps us in how we live when we are in doubt. Here is a man who seemed so unwavering. Unbothered and unmoved, now shaken…..And what does he do? What do we do when we are shaken? Regardless of how or why doubt comes.

What did John do? Simply. He shows us that when doubt comes. We run to Jesus! In his doubt and unbelief, he sent word to Christ about Christ. Saying I believe, but help my unbelief!! And Jesus reminds John of what….WHAT does the word say! What did you expect? You know this. Rest in the word, John. The GOOD NEWS is being preached. Have FAITH, even now, that the judgement will come, just not in your time. But cling to the word. Good news is being preached! And even in His doubt, what does John do….John believes, even imperfectly. And He is blessed in not stumbling at the offense of the truth of Christ. But rather to endure in faith, even when you doubt!!

What do we do when we doubt, we are afraid, when we are under attack, when our faith is weak and frail? Answer – we run to Jesus!

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II. Faith Sets Us Apart (v.24-28)

The scene shifts slightly. John’s messengers go back to John. And Jesus turns to the crowd. Almost like to make sure they don’t get the wrong sense about John. Not that we look down on John. Man, there is a tendency to look down on those in scripture, especially when they struggle. Can you believe David? Can you believe Judas would? Can you believe Peter would? And we can be appalled at John. Gasps at his lack of faith. But really, this isn’t far from us. Where would we be apart from grace? Therefore, he who thinks he stands, take heed lest he fall. (1 Cor 10:12)

So Jesus turns to the crowd, concerning John.

Luke 7:24–28 ESV

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.”

Jesus gives two rhetorical questions, followed by an explanation. Then ends with a striking implication. I think I can get through this pretty quickly.

You all know John…what are we to think about John? Jesus repeats this question three times in a row. It’s what we might call the superlative degree. What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind?The logical answer to this is NO. John is not a reed shaken in the wind. He preached hard. He preached without compromise. He wasn’t easily bent. He wasn’t caving or buckling. In fact, what got him thrown in prison was his unwillingness to compromise. He was an equal opportunity offender. Don’t care if you are a religious leader, a Pharisee, or Herod, you need to repent!! You didn’t go seeJohn preach because he was a weak man!

What did you go out in the wilderness to see? A man dressed in splendid clothing? And in the luxury of the king’s court…..UH, that wasn’t John! The guy was in Carmel's hair. Not fine clothing. He was dingy. He was unclean-looking. You didn’t go hear the guy in a 3-piece suit! If that’s it, you would have been disappointed. WHAT DID YOU GO OUT TO SEE?Then Jesus gives us an answer.

Instead, the reason you went into the wilderness is because God’s prophet was there! God was speaking powerfully through this man. John was a prophet. He was a prophet of judgment. He didn’t have a message of hope, though He did preach the GOOD NEWS,  as much as he proclaimed a message of repentance. Jesus says, He was much more than a prophet!

This is one whom Malachi foretold. A messenger would come and prepare the way. We know this because Luke has told us this in Luke 3.John came proclaiming the voice in the wilderness to prepare the way of the Lord!! And we’ve been studying Luke. We know John's message. John came preaching and proclaiming the kingdom of God is near, and his message could be summarized in one word – REPENT!!! John was a proclaimer of repentance. Preparing the people for the coming Messiah. Proclaim the kingdom is near. Get ready, the king is coming!! Jesus is coming!!

So Jesus concludes with this somewhat strange statement – Luke 7:28

Luke 7:28 ESV

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.”

This is a striking statement in the eyes of Jesus. Jesus says, John is the greatest among those born of women. He speaks of John in such a way that sets him apart from all the other prophets before Him. He says, of those born of women, none is greater than John.

But then says, those in the kingdom of God. Even those who are the least in the kingdom are greater than he. The least of the Kingdom would be among those who are considered to be of little significance. They didn’t have a high calling, if you will. They are just ordinary believers, in the sense. Yet, they are greater than this prophet. Even this great prophet! Jesus is making a statement about the significance of John, which is also highlights the significance of the kingdom of God. And the transformation that Jesus brings.

It's like Jesus is saying. It is better to be a participant in the kingdom of God than to only announce its coming.  It’s greater to be included in the message of Good News John pointed towards than to only speak of its nearness. It’s better and greater to participate in the kingdom than to anticipate it. Now, Jesus isn’t saying John isn’t a believer or isn’t in the kingdom, but that John had a particular role in the kingdom and God's plan. And that role was to point the way to the Messiah. It was to prepare the way for Jesus. To announce the kingdom is near, and to call others to repent.

And in a short statement, here’s why it matters….What was it about John the Baptist that was great? Was it his message? I mean, in one sense, sure, he was faithful…But ultimately, what made him great? Was it John’s greatest? I’d argue no. Was it John’s faith? In fact, it wasn’t anything in John! And that’s the point. What made John so great was Jesus. What made John so great was His announcement of the one who came after Him!  THE MESSIAH – JESUS CHRIST! HE MUST INCREASE, and I must decrease. The one who comes after me, I’m not even worthy to untie His sandals. I baptize you with water, but the one who comes after me will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.

What made John great was Jesus and His relationship to Christ. And that’s the same that is true for us. What makes us greater than John isn’t our value or worthiness or our deeds. It’s not that we deserve more than him. It’s Jesus! That in Christ we have been given a new status. No longer slaves to darkness. No longer enemies of God. But as Saints in Christ. We are beloved through Jesus. We are redeemed through Jesus. Accepted by God in the kingdom as sons and daughters. Through our work? No, but through the work and through the gospel of Jesus.

So, what makes someone great in the kingdom of God? It’s not status, calling, or personal achievement—it’s Jesus. John’s greatness came from pointing to Christ, and our greatness comes from being united with Christ by faith. In Him, we are no longer outsiders waiting for the kingdom—we are welcomed in as sons and daughters. The least in the kingdom is greater, not because of who they are, but because of who Jesus is, and what He has done. That is the power of the gospel: that through Jesus, ordinary people are given extraordinary grace and a place in God’s eternal kingdom.

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III.Faith Bears Fruit with Rhythm of the Gospel (v.29-35)

This section can get a little confusing. Luke introduces a parenthetical comment, which is then followed by an explanation of Jesus that includes both a parable as well as a proverb. So it could be easy to get a little lost and a little confused, especially in the context of singing and dancing. You know the arts are a fascinating discipline. It’s not like stoic philosophy and higher thinking that only looks to logic. Art moves us. It forces us to feel. Emotions are part of how God made us; now, emotions are fallen, and they need to be brought under the truth of the word. But they are a part of God’s design. Emotions move us. The arts often hit in places deeper than the intellect.

I’m weaving several thoughts together, and you are like, "What are you talking about?" Well, it’s the same reason people can look at a painting and be moved to tears. Or read poetry and rejoice in wonder and awe. Or a little closer, to hear the rhythm of the beat, and begin to dance. Something beyond logic is happening. Something beyond, just the right pieces are being put together. You are moved. Literally, moved to dance to the rhythm and the beat.

Beloved, the gospel has this type of rhythm.  This ebb and flow pierces us deeper than just the mind, but instead pierces our soul and moves our heart, stirring our emotions. Compelsus to Jesus. Where am I getting this from? Well, that’s all herein the text. There are two movements.

Luke 7:29–30 ESV

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.)

Luke says that some heard John’s message of repentance and rejoiced. They agreed with God. They said, AMEN!! Repent, for the kingdom of God is near. They agree with John’s message. They agreed with Jesus’ kingdom. They declared God to be JUST! They received his baptism and identified with their need for repentance. They joined the dance. They started to move in the rhythm of God’s moving, if you will.

But there were others – namely, the Pharisees and the Lawyers, and they rejected God’s purpose. They didn’t receiveJohn. And they wouldn’t be prepared for Jesus either. This leads to great tension among the crowd! Some agree and see their need for repentance. Taking on John’s baptism, agree with Godin their need for a messiah, pointing to Jesus, who is now here bringing the kingdom. We need repentance! We need redemption!.... But others, the self-righteous and the prideful…who refused!

Luke 7:31–35 ESV

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.”

Jesus looks and begins to make a comparison to those who rejected John the Baptist. And says, What can I compare you to? And he gives a parable. You are like children. Now, there is a good way scripture speaks of children, in their child-like faith, but Jesus clearly means this as an insult. He’s not saying you have child-like faith, but that you have no faith. And in fact, you are being childish and like immature babies.

There were children in Jesus' time. And when in the marketplace, they would invite one another to play a game together. They would mimic things they saw around them and in the culture. Like celebrations, feasts, and funerals. Some children are calling out to the other children. Hey, come and play with us!!

So they played the flute, and they did not dance. They sang a dirge, and you did not weep.  Jesus says this to make a bigger point. He has a point about John the Baptist and Himself.

A flute was an instrument that was often associated with great joy!  With Celebration and with a feast! It was happy. It often caused one to dance. It’s got a rhythm to it. It’s melodic. Cheerful.  This is still true in our day. The pitch, tone, and timbre of a flute are naturally softened towards joy and dancing. Think river dancing. There is a reason flutes are the primary instrument in this style.

And a dirge- In contrast, a dirge is a mournful, solemn song with a deep, heavy tone. It often features slower rhythms, minor keys, and is associated with death, funerals, and morning—often to express grief, loss, or lamentation. The sound of a dirge calls listeners to sorrow and reflection rather than celebration, inviting tears rather than dance.

And so Jesus says this in relation to John the BAPTIST. And To JESUS! In which John the Baptist is clearly the dirge! He was the preacher of judgment. He’s calling sinners to mourn over their sin. Mourn over their wrongdoing and repent. He’s calling them to a death of sorts. A death to their own way of living, and to embrace God’s way for their life.

And then Jesus is the cause for rejoicing! The gospel brings us good news! For rejoicing. Delighting in what God has done for us through Christ.

Luke 7:33–34 ESV

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!’

You guys wouldn’t have it either way. You wouldn’t dance. You wouldn’t mourn. You wouldn’t feel the rhythm of what God is doing, how God was at work. John comes calling you RPEENT – for the kingdom of God is near, and you look at him in the wilderness and think – what a freak!! He’s got a demon!! He’s too morning, sad, and harsh. You heard John preaching, and you reject Him!!

Yet, then when the Son of Man comes, with Good news! The KINGDOM OF GODis here!! He’s too happy! He parties too much! And you say He’s doing it with all the wrong types of people!! He’s a glutton and drunkard!! Which, according to the law, was an offense worthy of death and stoning. This was no light charge, they brought against Jesus…..they say, well, we can’t acceptJesus either, because well, he’s a friend of tax collectors and sinners.

You don’t dance when the flute and melody of Jesus is played. And you don’t mourn when John proclaims the dirge of repentance.  You won’t have it either way, but your own….

So – Luke 7:35

Luke 7:35 ESV

35 Yet wisdom is justified by all her children.”

That is to say, these weren’t just coincidences. It wasn’t just random that John came preaching repentance, and then Jesus came. This was God’s plan. This was God’s work. This was God’s doing. This was…the wisdom of God!! The children of God’s wisdom will hear the message of God’s work. The rhythm of God’s work in the world. Sending a preacher of judgment to call us to repentance, and they will respond rightly in the morning!! And then when the flute of the gospel comes, they will dance with great joy because of Jesus!! And in doing so, they proclaim God’s message to be right, even though it will be despised by the world.

This phrase. Luke 7:35 35 Yet wisdom is justified by all her children.” It’s kind of like the proof is in the pudding. That phrase isn’t the correct phrase that we use often. The actual phrase is really – the proof of the pudding is in the eating. …To say the proof is in the pudding doesn’t make any sense. But to say the proof of the pudding is in the eating. Makes perfect sense.

In other words, you can’t judge how good a pudding is just by looking at it or hearing someone describe it—you have to actually taste it to know if it's any good. The same principle applies to ideas, actions, or people: their truth or worth is proven by the results they produce.

Luke 7:35, Jesus is saying that God’s wisdom is proven right by what it produces—the “children” of wisdom are those who receive the gospel and whose lives are changed. Their transformation is the “taste test”that confirms God’s ways are right, even when rejected by the proud or religious elite.

So hereyou have. While the Pharisees rejected God's purpose, sinners who humbled themselves showed that God's plan of salvation was wise and effective. The “children of wisdom” are those transformed by the gospel, and their lives vindicate God’s truth, even when the world mocks or rejects it.

The children of wisdom hear the rhythm and cadence of the gospel. And had ears to hear the sound, and began to dance to its music.

That is when the thunder of God’s law is given. They are broken. They mourn and weep over their sin. They are broken. They know they deserve condemnation. They deserve to perish because of their offense before a Holy God, for those of us in Christ. We know this to be a part of our story. That the remembrance and reality of sin causes us to mourn, it causes us to weep! It should cause us to weep! We have good reason to mourn and weep because of our sin. So when we see ourselves as those who have violated God’s law, and are deserving of condemnation. We are broken! We repent!!  We begin to move to the rhythm of God’s work, through the law, to point us to the savior!

And then to hear the sweet melody of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Who rescued us from sin and death! He took our sin upon Himself. He was put to death, and our sin debt was placed on Jesus. And He took away our sin, that separated us from God. And through His death and resurrection. Has redeemed us! Reconciled us to the Father. He has made us alive, where we were once dead in our sins. He has turned our mourning into dancing!! He’s loosed our sackcloth and clothed us with gladness!!

To the happy melody of Christ’s gospel. This is the rhythm of the gospel that you can’t truly dance to the melody of Christ without first mourning in the dirge of God’s law. …This is what we mean when we and the Reformers speak of the Law/Gospel Distinction.

The law of God is not a gentle tune—it is a solemn, sobering song, a funeral march that exposes our spiritual death. It silences all boasting. It strips us bare. It confronts us with the holy standard of a righteous God and declares with no hesitation: “You have fallen short.” The law doesn’t flatter. It condemns. It is the sound of judgment, of guilt, of the death we deserve.

And yet—it is good. Because only when we have mourned to the law's dirge can we truly appreciate the sweetness of grace. Only those who know they are sick long for the Physician. Only those who have wept over sin can dance when they hear of a Savior. If we bypass the law, we cheapen the gospel. But when the law does its work—when it crushes our pride and breaks our hearts—it prepares the way for the joy of salvation.

So let me ask you, friend—have you danced to the melody of the gospel? Have you been brought low by the weight of your sin and then lifted high by the mercy of Christ? Or are you still standing at a distance, like the Pharisees, refusing to mourn, refusing to rejoice, refusing to respond?

The gospel is not background noise. It’s the primary melodyof God’s orchestration. It is a call. A summons. A rhythm that demands a response.

Wisdom is justified by all her children. That means God’s way is proven true by those who have been changed by it. The fruit of genuine faith is repentance and rejoicing. The children of wisdom don’t just nod in agreement—they mourn over sin, they repent, they believe, and they follow Jesus with joy. They hear the gospel and they respond—with brokenness, with faith, and with dancing because of Jesus!.

Sermon Summary:  True faith recognizes and responds to Jesus.