PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Luke 7:18-23
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“Go back and report to John what you have seen and heard.” (Luke 7:22)
The Jews struggled with Jesus because he was not what they expected, or wanted.
They wanted a military hero that would save them from their enemies.
They did not want someone who challenged their own sin to set them free.
I believe Jesus is God’s promised messiah because of what I see and hear in Jesus.
His challenging, life-transforming grace for me and through me is was convinces me.
“Strengthen the feeble hands, steady the knees that give way; say to those with fearful hearts,
‘Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution
he will come to save you.’ Then will the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf
unstopped. Then will the lame leap like a deer, and the mute tongue shout for joy.” (Isaiah 35:3-6)
His compassion for sinners, seekers and strugglers inspires and challenges me.
The cross he carried for me is also the cross he asks me to carry with him.
Like John, to even suffer and die in advancing God’s kingdom agenda with Jesus.
What I see and hear in Jesus is the best (only) way to make God’s world very good again.
What I see and hear in Jesus is what leads me to believe he is the One, he is the way!
PRAYER
Lord, you did not come to make my life easy, but to make the world better for everyone. Help me to be strong in you and not stumble, to carry the cross with you in helping sinners, seekers and strugglers find their way back to God.
How do we know if Jesus was the one to come? Well we know what we’ve seen and heard. Not just in scripture, but the way he works in our lives today. Lord thank you for your “coincidences” and the way your spirit is not limited in its work. Help us to flourish on account of you!
If people understand that I am a Christian – or they hear me say that I am – are they turned off by my actions, my behaviour, and my stand-offish attitude? Jesus said to John’s disciples, “Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.” I suppose John had a different idea about what the Messiah would do – but Jesus helps John to see what scripture predicted what the Messiah would do. What do non-believers expect of those who say they are Christians? Do they have a negative image i.e., we are judgmental and hypocritical? Help me Lord to love my neighbour as you would Lord Jesus. May I instead be a blessing to them instead – and not a stumbling block – put off by my ‘superior’ attitude!
Jesus is Life. The young man died and yet Jesus went contrary to the rules of the day and touched the dead body. Only in Christ Jesus am I free and alive. Life is only possible in Him and none other. Only in Him do I have abundant life, real life, real living. Christ is the answer. Live for Him.
Living for Jesus, a life that is true,
Striving to please Him in all that I do;
Yielding allegiance, glad-hearted and free,
This is the pathway of blessing for me.
Refrain:
O Jesus, Lord and Savior, I give myself to Thee,
For Thou, in Thy atonement, didst give Thyself for me;
I own no other Master, my heart shall be Thy throne;
My life I give, henceforth to live, O Christ, for Thee alone.