#41 Luke 7:18-23 Are You The One Who Is To Come?
On October 17, 2021 by Amy BurginJoy:
Episode#41 Luke 7:18-23
Welcome
Amy:
Welcome to The Christgazing Podcast. We are so glad you’re here. I’m Amy Burgin.
Joy:
I’m Joy Burgin
Amy:
If you are anything like us, you desire God’s presence and divine direction every day of your life. This podcast makes space for that. We offer few words of our own here and make room for Christgazing, the act of looking steadily and intently at Christ. Each week we read one passage from scripture several times and create stillness after each reading that we might be still ourselves and intimately, personally know God.
We are in a series that takes us through the book of Luke, focusing on the things Jesus said and did when he walked the earth. In the last episode, we saw Jesus stop a funeral procession, and because of his great love, compassion, and power, bring a widowed woman’s only son back from the dead. Wow! John the Baptist, a prophet whose ministry prepared the way for Jesus, was in prison at the time. John’s disciples visited him there and told him about the good works of healing and resurrection Jesus performed, which brings us to today’s scripture.
Pour Out Your Heart to God
Amy:
Before we begin, take the next minute to give God the things stored up in your body, your mind, and your heart. Maybe it is thanksgiving, anger, conflict at work or home, sadness, apathy, disgust, worry, love, peace, expectation, dread. Whatever your body feels, your mind thinks, or your heart desires, name it and bring it to the Lord in these next few moments.
What Does This Passage Say About God?
Joy:
I’m going to read today’s passage two times. As I read, consider the question, What does this passage say about God?
Luke 7:18-23 John’s disciples told him about all these things. Calling two of them, he sent them to the Lord to ask, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?”
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?'”
At that very time Jesus cured many who had diseases, sicknesses and evil spirits, and gave sight to many who were blind. 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 are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.”
Again?
Luke 7:18-23 John’s disciples told him about all these things. Calling two of them, he sent them to the Lord to ask, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?”
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?'”
At that very time, Jesus cured many who had diseases, sicknesses and evil spirits, and gave sight to many who were blind. 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 are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.”
[Pause and know]What Does This Passage Say About People?
Joy: As I reread the scripture, consider the question: What does this passage tell you about people?
Luke 7:18-23 John’s disciples told him about all these things. Calling two of them, he sent them to the Lord to ask, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?”
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?'”
At that very time Jesus cured many who had diseases, sicknesses and evil spirits, and gave sight to many who were blind. 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 are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.”
Take the next minute to answer the question: What does this passage tell you about people?
[Pause and know]Lord, What Would You Have Me Know or Do Today?
Joy:
As I read for the last time, ask God the question, “Lord, what would you have me know, do, or pray today in response to this passage?”
Luke 7:18-23 John’s disciples told him about all these things. Calling two of them, he sent them to the Lord to ask, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?”
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?'”
At that very time Jesus cured many who had diseases, sicknesses and evil spirits, and gave sight to many who were blind. 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 are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.”
Take time to ask God, “Lord, what would have me know or do today?”
[Pause and listen]Blessing
Joy:
Christgazer, the Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace. May you keep your face turned toward Jesus today and know him more.
One Response
Amy:
I have read this passage many times over the years, and each time, I assumed John struggled with doubt. Because he was an impactful prophet I admired, I always found comfort in his weakness. If John, the one who dedicated his life to preparing the way for Jesus, sometimes struggled with doubt, then indeed it was okay for me to share the same struggle. But as I spent time in this passage this week, I wondered for the first time if my assumption was wrong. Perhaps John didn’t struggle with doubt at all. Maybe his disciples did.
I am reminded of the parable in Matthew 13 of the farmer who scattered seed. Some seeds fell on rocky places, where they had only a little soil. They sprang up quickly because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. These seeds refer to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, these people quickly fall away. This may describe the disciples of John the Baptist. They have heard the message of Christ and appear to have received it with joy as they have chosen to be disciples to John the Baptist. They also hear that Jesus is sovereign and Jesus is good, healing the sick and resurrecting the dead. Yet, they see their dear friend John suffer under persecution in prison, which may have shaken their faith.
Perhaps John recognized their struggle and knew the remedy. The remedy to all wavering is Jesus, and so maybe that’s why he sent them to ask Jesus the question. Regardless of if John struggled with doubt, his disciples struggled with doubt, or you and I struggle with doubt, the remedy is what’s important.
James 1:6 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and wisdom will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.”
The bottom line? Seek Jesus and ask him.
Closing
Amy:
Joy and I will be back again next week to go Christgazing together. Until then, remember with us, when you put your trust in Christ, you are one in whom he dwells and delights, a dearly loved child of God. You are royalty in his strong and unshakeable kingdom. Though trouble abounds, Christ prevails, and so do you.
It blesses me to hear from you! Please leave a reply here.