Are you the One?

Is Jesus Enough?

Are we to ask with John the Baptist? Are you the One who was to come or should we expect someone else? Maybe it's the audcity of the merciful - forgiveness of God - his compassion - that offends us so much. The church needs to know about the purity and holiness of God.Their hope in your coming is what inspires a man to purify himself. But you want us to focus on what truly makes a man unclean and vile - unforgiven

STATEMENT:

John the Baptizer realized that he has some questions for Jesus. Discuss

Their hope in your coming is what inspires a man to purify himself. But you want us to focus on what truly makes a man unclean and vile - unforgiven

Maybe you've realized the same thing

Have you realized that you have some questions for Jesus? The action statement: Take your questions to Jesus

Pride, unwillingness to admit error keeps us from receiving your way of kingdom living and your way of righteousness. Your kingdom is only entered into by repentance and faith. The humble receiving of the grace or God and the humble covering of ourselves in the sacrifice of the Lamb who made a way for us through the shedding of His innocent blood. Maybe he wants

Ok but how do I bring my questions to Jesus?

Or okay but why? If I don't

Is Jesus the One or are you expecting someone else?

To encourage the believers to embrace their forgiveness and live in the blessedness of the forgiveness of God

Rhetorically this preaches well. And yet Lord, you just reminded me that there is real pain, real suffering, real uncertainty out there

You ask... are you expecting someone else?

What about the my psychologist, my physician, my surgeon, my CPA, my best friend, my pastor-- are you suggesting that I shouldn't rely on them, whaat about my medications- my depression, my physical ailments is Jesus all I need to fix them,

Jesus does have the power to heal.

Jesus does have the power to mend minds, and bones.

Jesus does have the power to fight off Satan and error...

So is He in a battle or not? Is He fighting for this world to establish His kingdom here or is He not?

And what then am I supposed to do?

Is God sending the conquering king - or is he sending Him later...

recognize that their expectations are getting in the way of seeing all the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. Lord, maybe even as believers who were once convinced we need to recognize that our confidence can be shaekn like John the Baptist when we encounter the sufferings that Jesus asks us to endure and suffer. When what Jesus doesn't add up with what we were told, and how we saw God working, when God seems to have taken his eyes off of you. Who is this Jesus? Who isn't conquering the Romans, and setting me free Who isn't obeying all the rules that I've created Who isn't holding people's sins against them and punishing the evil doers Who isn't meeting my hopes. Who isn't answer my prayers, but look he's fixing their problems... Who isn't healing my diseases

What's interesting to realize/consider is that maybe the answer to both of the parts to John's question is Yes! "I Am the One who was to come, and you should also expect someone else... Me... again... at another time."

Why is this important?

Because this Gospel is dealing honestly with a question that was lurking in the hearts of the people of post Jesus - Christianity - before there was the written New Testament...

How could Jesus be the answer to all that the Torah and the teachings inspired us to anticipate?

To challenge the searching/curious/stubborn to recognize that their expectations are getting in the way of seeing all the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

And for the non Hebrew - Who was this Jesus, did he really claim to be God, wasn't he just a prophet?

Luke is trying to bring Jesus into focus. For all those with questions. He does that he by highlighting the question and exposes that pharisees have questions, those who were baptized under John had questions, John himself had questions,

... I'm saying bring your questions to Jesus.

When we encounter the sufferings that Jesus asks us to endure and suffer.

I'll spend a few minutes trying to write out the I'm not even sure what toaspire to write A description of the meaining of the section or a pray about what God wants to do with this passage in the hearts of those who hear the preaching of it on Sunday and beyond Lord, I've spent only a little time in study and research and some time in imagining this sequence of events and Lukes telling of it. Father, I have been struck by the underying thoughts of the people involved in the story, and I sense it's message. Lord, there is much to the story, and the commentary that surrounds the stories themselves. Much of my time would be invested in walking carefully through the unfolding of the narrative aspects of the story. Lord, what will incline the ears of this audience to want to walk throught this story, I ask that you'd help me to have a hook that helps them move beyond the moment that they are in, into a willingness to reach out to the glass touch it long enough to realize that there is no glass but rather they can reach right in, fingers disapearing and yes their hand, and wrist and finally a step completely inside to discover what lies on the other side of this moment, this turning into the text of your word spoken. As Luke studied and wrote out, as carried along by the Spirit as preserved, and translated into a language usable for us, and readable by us, and speakable by this pastor at this moment in our journey. Jesus, are we to ask with John the Baptist? Are you the One who was to come or should we expect someone else? Maybe it's the audcity of the merciful - forgiveness of God - his compassion - that offends us so much. But, Lord, the church needs to know your purity and your holiness, their hope in your coming is what inspires a man to purify himself. But focus on what truly makes a man unclean. Pride, unwillingness to admit error, keeps us from recieving your way of kingdom living, and your way of righteousness. Which comes by repentance and faith. The receiving of the grace or God, and the humble covering yourself in the sacrifice of the Lamb who made a way for us throught the shedding of His blood. Maybe you want to encourage the believers to embrace their forgiveness and challenge the searching/curious/stubborn to recognize that their expectations are getting in the way of seeing all the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. Lord, maybe even as believers who were once convinced we need to recognize that our confidence can be shaekn like John the Baptist when we encounter the sufferings that Jesus asks us to endure and suffer. When what Jesus doesn't add up with what we were told, and how we saw God working, when God seems to have taken his eyes off of you. Who is this Jesus? Who isn't conquering the Romans, and setting me free Who isn't obeying all the rules that I've created Who isn't holding people's sins against them and punishing the evil doers Who isn't meeting my hopes. Who isn't answer my prayers, but look he's fixing their problems... Who isn't healing my diseases

When what Jesus does doesn't add up with what we were told, and how we saw God working,

When God seems to have taken his eyes off of you.

I'll spend a few minutes trying to write out the I'm not even sure what toaspire to write A description of the meaining of the section or a pray about what God wants to do with this passage in the hearts of those who hear the preaching of it on Sunday and beyond Lord, I've spent only a little time in study and research and some time in imagining this sequence of events and Lukes telling of it. Father, I have been struck by the underying thoughts of the people involved in the story, and I sense it's message. Lord, there is much to the story, and the commentary that surrounds the stories themselves. Much of my time would be invested in walking carefully through the unfolding of the narrative aspects of the story. Lord, what will incline the ears of this audience to want to walk throught this story, I ask that you'd help me to have a hook that helps them move beyond the moment that they are in, into a willingness to reach out to the glass touch it long enough to realize that there is no glass but rather they can reach right in, fingers disapearing and yes their hand, and wrist and finally a step completely inside to discover what lies on the other side of this moment, this turning into the text of your word spoken. As Luke studied and wrote out, as carried along by the Spirit as preserved, and translated into a language usable for us, and readable by us, and speakable by this pastor at this moment in our journey. Jesus, are we to ask with John the Baptist? Are you the One who was to come or should we expect someone else? Maybe it's the audcity of the merciful - forgiveness of God - his compassion - that offends us so much. But, Lord, the church needs to know your purity and your holiness, their hope in your coming is what inspires a man to purify himself. But focus on what truly makes a man unclean. Pride, unwillingness to admit error, keeps us from recieving your way of kingdom living, and your way of righteousness. Which comes by repentance and faith. The receiving of the grace or God, and the humble covering yourself in the sacrifice of the Lamb who made a way for us throught the shedding of His blood. Maybe you want to encourage the believers to embrace their forgiveness and challenge the searching/curious/stubborn to recognize that their expectations are gettign in the way of seeing all the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. Lord, maybe even as believers who were once convinced we need to recognize that our confidence can be shaekn like John the Baptist when we encounter the sufferings that Jesus asks us to endure and suffer. When what Jesus doesn't add up with what we were told, and how we saw God working, when God seems to have taken his eyes off of you. Who is this Jesus? Who isn't conquering the Romans, and setting me free Who isn't obeying all the rules that I've created Who isn't holding people's sins against them and punishing the evil doers Who isn't meeting my hopes. Who isn't answer my prayers, but look he's fixing their problems... Who isn't healing my diseases

Who is this Jesus? Who isn't conquering the Romans, and setting me free Who isn't obeying all the rules that I've created Who isn't holding people's sins against them and punishing the evil doers Who isn't meeting my hopes. Who isn't answering my prayers, but look he's fixing their problems... Who isn't healing my diseases

What did you go out to see? Yes and far more than a prophet? No one is greater than John. Except for everyone who is in the kingdom of God.

And all the people said "Amen God is just!"

Is this a slam? Like telling you "you're my favorite, except for everyone I like more than you."

27 This is the second time this passage is used in Luke the first was in `

I have a few clippings saved which include notes and comments I'll spend a few minutes trying to write out the I'm not even sure what toaspire to write A description of the meaining of the section or a pray about what God wants to do with this passage in the hearts of those who hear the preaching of it on Sunday and beyond Lord, I've spent only a little time in study and research and some time in imagining this sequence of events and Lukes telling of it. Father, I have been struck by the underying thoughts of the people involved in the story, and I sense it's message. Lord, there is much to the story, and the commentary that surrounds the stories themselves. Much of my time would be invested in walking carefully through the unfolding of the narrative aspects of the story. Lord, what will incline the ears of this audience to want to walk throught this story, I ask that you'd help me to have a hook that helps them move beyond the moment that they are in, into a willingness to reach out to the glass touch it long enough to realize that there is no glass but rather they can reach right in, fingers disapearing and yes their hand, and wrist and finally a step completely inside to discover what lies on the other side of this moment, this turning into the text of your word spoken. As Luke studied and wrote out, as carried along by the Spirit as preserved, and translated into a language usable for us, and readable by us, and speakable by this pastor at this moment in our journey. Jesus, are we to ask with John the Baptist? Are you the One who was to come or should we expect someone else? Maybe it's the audcity of the merciful - forgiveness of God - his compassion - that offends us so much. But, Lord, the church needs to know your purity and your holiness, their hope in your coming is what inspires a man to purify himself. But focus on what truly makes a man unclean. Pride, unwillingness to admit error, keeps us from recieving your way of kingdom living, and your way of righteousness. Which comes by repentance and faith. The receiving of the grace or God, and the humble covering yourself in the sacrifice of the Lamb who made a way for us throught the shedding of His blood. Maybe you want to encourage the believers to embrace their forgiveness and challenge the searching/curious/stubborn to recognize that their expectations are gettign in the way of seeing all the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. Lord, maybe even as believers who were once convinced we need to recognize that our confidence can be shaekn like John the Baptist when we encounter the sufferings that Jesus asks us to endure and suffer. When what Jesus doesn't add up with what we were told, and how we saw God working, when God seems to have taken his eyes off of you. Who is this Jesus? Who isn't conquering the Romans, and setting me free Who isn't obeying all the rules that I've created Who isn't holding people's sins against them and punishing the evil doers Who isn't meeting my hopes. Who isn't answer my prayers, but look he's fixing their problems... Who isn't healing my diseases

Matthew 28:18 HCSB

Then Jesus came near and said to them, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.

Luke 7:18–23 HCSB

Then John’s disciples told him about all these things. So John summoned two of his disciples and sent them to the Lord, asking, “Are You the One who is to come, or should we look for someone else?” When the men reached Him, they said, “John the Baptist sent us to ask You, ‘Are You the One who is to come, or should we look for someone else?’ ” At that time Jesus healed many people of diseases, plagues, and evil spirits, and He granted sight to many blind people. He replied to them, “Go and report to John the things you have seen and heard: The blind receive their sight, the lame walk, those with skin diseases are healed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor are told the good news. And anyone who is not offended because of Me is blessed.”

Luke 7:18–23 HCSB

18 Then John’s disciples told him about all these things. So John summoned two of his disciples 19 and sent them to the Lord, asking, “Are You the One who is to come, or should we look for someone else?” 20 When the men reached Him, they said, “John the Baptist sent us to ask You, ‘Are You the One who is to come, or should we look for someone else?’ ” 21 At that time Jesus healed many people of diseases, plagues, and evil spirits, and He granted sight to many blind people. 22 He replied to them, “Go and report to John the things you have seen and heard: The blind receive their sight, the lame walk, those with skin diseases are healed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor are told the good news. 23 And anyone who is not offended because of Me is blessed.”

7:24-30

7:18-23

statement:

Statement

Comments

7:18-23

John the Baptizer realized that he has some questions for Jesus.

John the Baptizer realized that he has some questions for Jesus. Discuss

Have you realized that you have some questions for Jesus? The action statement: Take your questions to Jesus

okay but why?

Or okay but why? If I don't

Note the proof that Jesus offered. He pointed at the facts. The sick and the suffering and the humble poor were experiencing the power and hearing the word of the good news. Here is a point which is seldom realized—this is not the answer John expected. If Jesus was God’s Anointed One, John would have expected him to say, ‘My armies are massing. Caesarea, the headquarters of the Roman government, is about to fall. The sinners are being obliterated. And judgment has begun.’ He would have expected Jesus to say, ‘The wrath of God is on the march,’ but Jesus said, ‘The mercy of God is here.’ Let us remember that where pain is soothed and sorrow turned to joy, where suffering and death are vanquished, there is the kingdom of God. Jesus’ answer was, ‘Go back and tell John that the love of God is here.’

This is powerful and puts words to my thoughts about John's misunderstanding.

Are you the One or should we expect another?

This fits my interpretation of John the Baptists gospel of repentance, and his promise that after him someone much mightier was to come.

The un-met expectations. Here he was stuck in a cell.

John wants to know.. what has become of this Jesus, I saw the Spirit descend, I saw the power of God, I heard the voice of God - this is my Son....

Transition

So John had some questions and now Jesus begins to interact with the unspoken questions of his followers in verse 24

Luke 7:24–30 HCSB

24 After John’s messengers left, He began to speak to the crowds about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swaying in the wind? 25 What then did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft robes? Look, those who are splendidly dressed and live in luxury are in royal palaces. 26 What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and far more than a prophet. 27 This is the one it is written about: Look, I am sending My messenger ahead of You; he will prepare Your way before You. 28 I tell you, among those born of women no one is greater than John, but the least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.” 29 (And when all the people, including the tax collectors, heard this, they acknowledged God’s way of righteousness, because they had been baptized with John’s baptism. 30 But since the Pharisees and experts in the law had not been baptized by him, they rejected the plan of God for themselves. )

Luke 7:24–30 HCSB

After John’s messengers left, He began to speak to the crowds about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swaying in the wind? What then did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft robes? Look, those who are splendidly dressed and live in luxury are in royal palaces. What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and far more than a prophet. This is the one it is written about: Look, I am sending My messenger ahead of You; he will prepare Your way before You. I tell you, among those born of women no one is greater than John, but the least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.” (And when all the people, including the tax collectors, heard this, they acknowledged God’s way of righteousness, because they had been baptized with John’s baptism. But since the Pharisees and experts in the law had not been baptized by him, they rejected the plan of God for themselves. )

Statement

Comments

When was the last time we heard of John the Baptist?

Also interesting to look back at , specifically

Luke 3:4–6 HCSB

as it is written in the book of the words of the prophet Isaiah: A voice of one crying out in the wilderness: Prepare the way for the Lord; make His paths straight! Every valley will be filled, and every mountain and hill will be made low; the crooked will become straight, the rough ways smooth, and everyone will see the salvation of God.

Jesus pays John a great tribute. The expectation was that before God’s anointed king arrived upon the earth, Elijah would return to prepare the way and act as his herald ().

(HCSB)

5 Look, I am going to send you Elijah the prophet before the great and awesome Day of the Lord comes. 6 And he will turn the hearts of fathers to their children and the hearts of children to their fathers. Otherwise, I will come and strike the land with a curse.”

24- reeds swaying in the wind = something ordinary "rhetorical strategy"

Barclay, W. (2001). The Gospel of Luke (p. 107). Louisville, KY; London: Westminster John Knox Press.

27- this is the one it was written about :

luke 7:27

Luke 7:27 HCSB

This is the one it is written about: Look, I am sending My messenger ahead of You; he will prepare Your way before You.

Look, I am sending My messenger

ahead of You;

The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.

he will prepare Your way before You. b

The Holy Bible: Holman Christian standard version. (2009). (). Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers.

The addition of the quotation from shows that to John was given the honour of being the forerunner of the Messiah. Manson reminds us that this not only points to the greatness of John, but ‘presupposes on Jesus’ part … a consciousness of the finality of his own mission to Israel’.

Malachi 3:1–2 HCSB

“See, I am going to send My messenger, and he will clear the way before Me. Then the Lord you seek will suddenly come to His temple, the Messenger of the covenant you desire—see, He is coming,” says the Lord of Hosts. But who can endure the day of His coming? And who will be able to stand when He appears? For He will be like a refiner’s fire and like cleansing lye.

Morris, L. (1988). Luke: an introduction and commentary (Vol. 3, p. 163). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.

Also interesting to look back at Luke 3, specifically

Morris, L. (1988). Luke: an introduction and commentary (Vol. 3, p. 163). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.

Luke 3:4–6 HCSB

as it is written in the book of the words of the prophet Isaiah: A voice of one crying out in the wilderness: Prepare the way for the Lord; make His paths straight! Every valley will be filled, and every mountain and hill will be made low; the crooked will become straight, the rough ways smooth, and everyone will see the salvation of God.

Luke 3:4-6

What did you go out to see? Yes and far more than a prophet? No one is greater than John. Except for everyone who is in the kingdom of God.

And all the people said "Amen God is just!"

27 This is the second time this passage is used in Luke the first was in

Justified God...

Jesus words... describing John the Baptizers ministry... it convinced them that God was right. The way of righteousness, the kingdom of God

Transition

So we have seen that while answering the questions of John in 7:18-23 and his followers in 7:24-30 he both articulates a great tribute to John the Baptist and also acknowledges that something better is ahead - the kingdom of God, ushered in by the very Messiah John was heralding. And now in our text Jesus moves into an indictment against the generation.

type it here

Luke 7:31-35

Luke 7:31–35 HCSB

31 “To what then should I compare the people of this generation, and what are they like? 32 They are like children sitting in the marketplace and calling to each other: We played the flute for you, but you didn’t dance; we sang a lament, but you didn’t weep! 33 For John the Baptist did not come eating bread or drinking wine, and you say, ‘He has a demon!’ 34 The Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Look, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ 35 Yet wisdom is vindicated by all her children.”

Statement

maybe your expectations are keeping you from seeing Jesus for who He is

Comments

This section is ripe with unmet expectations.

vs 32 They wouldn't dance with the song of joy, they wouldn't weep with the song of sadness...

"What song do you want me to play?"

I can't win with this crowd.

It seems to be the point. I can't make you happy.

vs 32 Sad songs:

Sad songs: Fire and Rain - James Taylor

Fire and Rain - James Taylor

Or that scene from the movie Up-

That scene without the music

when the old mans wife passes away as years and decades pass by while this long held dream of traveling to this venturous mysterious waterfall landscape is constantly put on hold. As they age. That scene without the music.

Or the end of toystory 3 when the toys are saying goodbye

The pharisees themselves cant decide what they want: eating and drinking - or more like John the Baptist (not eating nor drinking)

They can’t see John the Baptist for who he was, how are they going to see me?

And what about John the Baptist… what about his questions:

John the Baptist is wondering: I was expecting God to forgive sins yes... but what about taking over the kingdom and ushering in the new age?

Are you the One or should we expect another?

Remember how confident John was at first: John the Baptist baptized Jesus. let’s look at

Luke 3:15–17 HCSB

Now the people were waiting expectantly, and all of them were debating in their minds whether John might be the Messiah. John answered them all, “I baptize you with water, but One is coming who is more powerful than I. I am not worthy to untie the strap of His sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing shovel is in His hand to clear His threshing floor and gather the wheat into His barn, but the chaff He will burn up with a fire that never goes out.”

notice his emphasis that after him someone much mightier was to come. - indeed this is what a reading of would lead you to expect.

This fits my interpretation of John the Baptists gospel of repentance, and his promise that after him someone much mightier was to come.

that after him someone much mightier was to come.

But consider these un-met expectations. Here he was stuck in a cell.

The un-met expectations. Here he was stuck in a cell.

John wants to know.. what has become of this Jesus, I saw the Spirit descend, I saw the power of God, I heard the voice of God - this is my Son....

Even as believers who were once convinced we need to recognize that our confidence can be shaken like John the Baptist.

When we encounter the sufferings that Jesus asks us to endure and suffer.

When what Jesus does doesn't add up with what we were told, and how we saw God working,

When God seems to have taken his eyes off of you.

Who is this Jesus? Who isn't conquering the Romans, and setting me free Who isn't obeying all the rules that I've created Who isn't holding people's sins against them and punishing the evil doers Who isn't meeting my hopes. Who isn't answering my prayers, but look he's fixing their problems... Who isn't healing my diseases

Transition

The indictment was that this generation is missing the main thing by insisting on things that contradict each other - or focus only on one aspect of who God is, and what He has promised, and what He is doing. Now we continue in at verse 36, where the scene changes and the people in the narrative are different but the question is still there… are you the One we’ve been waiting for or should we expect someone else.

Luke 7:36–39 HCSB

36 Then one of the Pharisees invited Him to eat with him. He entered the Pharisee’s house and reclined at the table. 37 And a woman in the town who was a sinner found out that Jesus was reclining at the table in the Pharisee’s house. She brought an alabaster jar of fragrant oil 38 and stood behind Him at His feet, weeping, and began to wash His feet with her tears. She wiped His feet with the hair of her head, kissing them and anointing them with the fragrant oil. 39 When the Pharisee who had invited Him saw this, he said to himself, “This man, if He were a prophet, would know who and what kind of woman this is who is touching Him—she’s a sinner!”

Statement

Comments

Transition

here

Luke 7:40–42 HCSB

40 Jesus replied to him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” “Teacher,” he said, “say it.” 41 “A creditor had two debtors. One owed 500 denarii, and the other 50. 42 Since they could not pay it back, he graciously forgave them both. So, which of them will love him more?”

Statement

Comments

Transition

here

Luke 7:43–47 HCSB

43 Simon answered, “I suppose the one he forgave more.” “You have judged correctly,” He told him. 44 Turning to the woman, He said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave Me no water for My feet, but she, with her tears, has washed My feet and wiped them with her hair. 45 You gave Me no kiss, but she hasn’t stopped kissing My feet since I came in. 46 You didn’t anoint My head with olive oil, but she has anointed My feet with fragrant oil. 47 Therefore I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven; that’s why she loved much. But the one who is forgiven little, loves little.”

Luke 7:43–47 HCSB

Simon answered, “I suppose the one he forgave more.” “You have judged correctly,” He told him. Turning to the woman, He said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave Me no water for My feet, but she, with her tears, has washed My feet and wiped them with her hair. You gave Me no kiss, but she hasn’t stopped kissing My feet since I came in. You didn’t anoint My head with olive oil, but she has anointed My feet with fragrant oil. Therefore I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven; that’s why she loved much. But the one who is forgiven little, loves little.”

Statement

Comments

Transition

type it here

Luke 7:48–50 HCSB

48 Then He said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” 49 Those who were at the table with Him began to say among themselves, “Who is this man who even forgives sins?” 50 And He said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you. Go in peace.”

Statement

Comments

Transition

here

So let me ask you:

Is Jesus the One or are you expecting someone else?

don’t miss it… There is real pain, real suffering, real uncertainty out there

“You ask... are you expecting someone else?”

Luke 7:18–50 HCSB

Then John’s disciples told him about all these things. So John summoned two of his disciples and sent them to the Lord, asking, “Are You the One who is to come, or should we look for someone else?” When the men reached Him, they said, “John the Baptist sent us to ask You, ‘Are You the One who is to come, or should we look for someone else?’ ” At that time Jesus healed many people of diseases, plagues, and evil spirits, and He granted sight to many blind people. He replied to them, “Go and report to John the things you have seen and heard: The blind receive their sight, the lame walk, those with skin diseases are healed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor are told the good news. And anyone who is not offended because of Me is blessed.” After John’s messengers left, He began to speak to the crowds about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swaying in the wind? What then did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft robes? Look, those who are splendidly dressed and live in luxury are in royal palaces. What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and far more than a prophet. This is the one it is written about: Look, I am sending My messenger ahead of You; he will prepare Your way before You. I tell you, among those born of women no one is greater than John, but the least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.” (And when all the people, including the tax collectors, heard this, they acknowledged God’s way of righteousness, because they had been baptized with John’s baptism. But since the Pharisees and experts in the law had not been baptized by him, they rejected the plan of God for themselves. ) “To what then should I compare the people of this generation, and what are they like? They are like children sitting in the marketplace and calling to each other: We played the flute for you, but you didn’t dance; we sang a lament, but you didn’t weep! For John the Baptist did not come eating bread or drinking wine, and you say, ‘He has a demon!’ The Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Look, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Yet wisdom is vindicated by all her children.” Then one of the Pharisees invited Him to eat with him. He entered the Pharisee’s house and reclined at the table. And a woman in the town who was a sinner found out that Jesus was reclining at the table in the Pharisee’s house. She brought an alabaster jar of fragrant oil and stood behind Him at His feet, weeping, and began to wash His feet with her tears. She wiped His feet with the hair of her head, kissing them and anointing them with the fragrant oil. When the Pharisee who had invited Him saw this, he said to himself, “This man, if He were a prophet, would know who and what kind of woman this is who is touching Him—she’s a sinner!” Jesus replied to him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” “Teacher,” he said, “say it.” “A creditor had two debtors. One owed 500 denarii, and the other 50. Since they could not pay it back, he graciously forgave them both. So, which of them will love him more?” Simon answered, “I suppose the one he forgave more.” “You have judged correctly,” He told him. Turning to the woman, He said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave Me no water for My feet, but she, with her tears, has washed My feet and wiped them with her hair. You gave Me no kiss, but she hasn’t stopped kissing My feet since I came in. You didn’t anoint My head with olive oil, but she has anointed My feet with fragrant oil. Therefore I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven; that’s why she loved much. But the one who is forgiven little, loves little.” Then He said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” Those who were at the table with Him began to say among themselves, “Who is this man who even forgives sins?” And He said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you. Go in peace.”

What about the psychologist, my physician, my surgeon, my CPA, my best friend, my pastor-- are you suggesting that I shouldn't rely on them, what about my medications- my depression, my physical ailments is Jesus all I need to fix them?

Jesus does have the power to heal.

Jesus does have the power to mend minds, and bones.

Jesus does have the power to fight off Satan and error...

So is He in a battle or not? Is He fighting for this world to establish His kingdom here or is He not?

Is he fighting for me right now, or not?

And what, then, am I supposed to do?

Is God sending the conquering king - or is he sending Him later...

Luke 7:18–50 HCSB

18 Then John’s disciples told him about all these things. So John summoned two of his disciples 19 and sent them to the Lord, asking, “Are You the One who is to come, or should we look for someone else?” 20 When the men reached Him, they said, “John the Baptist sent us to ask You, ‘Are You the One who is to come, or should we look for someone else?’ ” 21 At that time Jesus healed many people of diseases, plagues, and evil spirits, and He granted sight to many blind people. 22 He replied to them, “Go and report to John the things you have seen and heard: The blind receive their sight, the lame walk, those with skin diseases are healed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor are told the good news. 23 And anyone who is not offended because of Me is blessed.” 24 After John’s messengers left, He began to speak to the crowds about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swaying in the wind? 25 What then did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft robes? Look, those who are splendidly dressed and live in luxury are in royal palaces. 26 What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and far more than a prophet. 27 This is the one it is written about: Look, I am sending My messenger ahead of You; he will prepare Your way before You. 28 I tell you, among those born of women no one is greater than John, but the least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.” 29 (And when all the people, including the tax collectors, heard this, they acknowledged God’s way of righteousness, because they had been baptized with John’s baptism. 30 But since the Pharisees and experts in the law had not been baptized by him, they rejected the plan of God for themselves. ) 31 “To what then should I compare the people of this generation, and what are they like? 32 They are like children sitting in the marketplace and calling to each other: We played the flute for you, but you didn’t dance; we sang a lament, but you didn’t weep! 33 For John the Baptist did not come eating bread or drinking wine, and you say, ‘He has a demon!’ 34 The Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Look, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ 35 Yet wisdom is vindicated by all her children.” 36 Then one of the Pharisees invited Him to eat with him. He entered the Pharisee’s house and reclined at the table. 37 And a woman in the town who was a sinner found out that Jesus was reclining at the table in the Pharisee’s house. She brought an alabaster jar of fragrant oil 38 and stood behind Him at His feet, weeping, and began to wash His feet with her tears. She wiped His feet with the hair of her head, kissing them and anointing them with the fragrant oil. 39 When the Pharisee who had invited Him saw this, he said to himself, “This man, if He were a prophet, would know who and what kind of woman this is who is touching Him—she’s a sinner!” 40 Jesus replied to him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” “Teacher,” he said, “say it.” 41 “A creditor had two debtors. One owed 500 denarii, and the other 50. 42 Since they could not pay it back, he graciously forgave them both. So, which of them will love him more?” 43 Simon answered, “I suppose the one he forgave more.” “You have judged correctly,” He told him. 44 Turning to the woman, He said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave Me no water for My feet, but she, with her tears, has washed My feet and wiped them with her hair. 45 You gave Me no kiss, but she hasn’t stopped kissing My feet since I came in. 46 You didn’t anoint My head with olive oil, but she has anointed My feet with fragrant oil. 47 Therefore I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven; that’s why she loved much. But the one who is forgiven little, loves little.” 48 Then He said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” 49 Those who were at the table with Him began to say among themselves, “Who is this man who even forgives sins?” 50 And He said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you. Go in peace.”

luke 7:

What's interesting to realize/consider is that maybe the answer to both of the parts to John's question is Yes! "I Am the One who was to come, and you should also expect someone else... Me... again... at another time."

Why is this important?

Because this Gospel is dealing honestly with a question that was lurking in the hearts of the people of post Jesus - Christianity - before there was the written New Testament...

How could Jesus be the answer to all that the Torah and the teachings inspired us to anticipate?

And for the non Hebrew - Who was this Jesus, did he really claim to be God, wasn't he just a prophet?

Luke is trying to bring Jesus into focus. For all those with questions. He does that he by highlighting the question and exposes that pharisees have questions, those who were baptized under John had questions, John himself had questions,

... I'm saying bring your questions to Jesus.

Are you the One?

Are you the One or should we expect someone else?

Introduction

Introduction

Book

Book and Look

this is not a title

Take your questions to Jesus

Action

Consider the expectations you have for Jesus

50

The Kingdom of God is something that happens first of all in your heart.

Action

Conclusion

Are you the One?

Are you the One or should we expect someone else?

Introduction

Introduction

Book

Book and Look

this is not a title

​

Take your questions to Jesus

​

​

Action

​

​

​

Consider the expectations you have for Jesus

50

​

​

​

​

​

​

The Kingdom of God is something that happens first of all in your heart.

Action

​

​

​

​

Conclusion