PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Luke 7:29-35
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“We played the pipe for you, and you did not dance;
we sang a dirge, and you did not cry.” (Luke 7:22)
Jesus is commenting on the shallowness of the leaders.
They critique John for fasting, and Jesus for feasting.
In other words, they are just being critical.
They want someone who dances to their tune.
To hate the people they hate, to do what they would do.
Jesus refuses to be a puppet, letting others pull the strings.
He knows his mission from God, to be the friend of sinners.
As a leader, I have to think through my own posture towards Jesus.
Am I trying to make Jesus move to my tune, to like what I like?
Jesus does not serve me or my agenda; he serves God’s agenda.
I need to move to his tune, to be a friend of sinners!
It may not make us popular, but it will make us Jesus-like.
If I want to be proved right, I need to follow his wisdom.
PRAYER
Lord, I want to dance to your tune. I want to be a friend of sinners, just as you are a friend to me!
“‘We played the pipe for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not cry.’” Unresponsive – hearing words but not listening; seeing but blind! What does it take? I know without the work of the HS I would not have seen either – I would have simply be an actor – a player – but not engaged in the kingdom – in what really matters! How do we help other to celebrate life, forgiveness and grace and mourn sin and leave it behind? I know I must be faithful – help me Lord to dance and to cry!
The religious leaders did not accept John. They did not accept Jesus. They wanted to have it their way – that the people would follow them. They elevated themselves to be served and honoured rather than being servants of the King. And so today I too need to serve the King. I need to live as His servant – to live for Jesus.
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.