Luke 7:18-23 – Pointing Them To Christ

John the Baptist is a prisoner in the hands of Herod. He knows that his life is coming to an end. A long imprisonment or a violent death is the only future ahead of him. Yet, during this time his concern is not for himself, but for his disciples. He knows they are ignorant and weak in the faith. He knows that they probably look at the disciples of Jesus with jealousy and envy. He is concerned that after he dies, a misplaced loyalty will keep them from Christ. So, he sends his disciples to Jesus, so they can see what kind of a teacher He is and not reject Him unseen and unheard. He knows that when they ask Jesus if He is the Messiah, they will receive an answer that will make a much bigger impression than any arguments he can put forth. His goal for his disciples is for them to know and love Christ. Ministers, parents, teachers, anyone who is training another should imitate John in this – in all things we should direct people to Christ, desiring them to know and love Him.

Christ does not make a formal declaration that He is the Messiah. He shows by His actions who He is. We may call ourselves Christians night and day, but it is meaningless if our lives do not show that we are followers of Christ. If our churches do not preach God’s Word, they are not true churches no matter what they call themselves. If what we do does not match what we say, we are nothing more than hypocrites.

Jesus warns the disciples not to be offended by Him. He does not seem like a King, and their pride struggles with the idea of Him being the Christ. We also struggle with pride over admitting our sin and needing a Saviour. Christ’s warning to the disciples is a warning to us.

Questions
1. Why did John the Baptist send his disciples to Jesus?
2. Why did Jesus not declare He was the Messiah?
3. Why did Jesus warn the disciples?

Prayer Points
1. Pray for our minister and elders.
2. Use prayer points from your congregation.
3. Pray for family matters.