Hillside Missionary Church
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Luke 7:18-35 ESV
In this passage of God’s Word we see John the Baptist questioning if Jesus really is the Messiah. At this point John has been in prison for about a year, and things are looking grim for him. It’s fair to say that he had different expectations for what his life would look like at this point; he is disappointed by God. Yet, throughout this encounter, Jesus is extremely gracious to him. By taking a closer look at this story, we too can see what to do when we are disappointed by God:
1. Go to God
Luke 7:18-20, 3:18-20, Mark 6:14-29, Ps. 34:17-20
2. Ground yourself in Scripture
Luke 7:21-23, 2 Tim. 3:16-17, Heb. 4:12
3. Remember how God sees you
Luke 7:24-28, Eph. 2:10, Ps. 138:8, 139:13-16
4. Trust in God’s plan
Luke 7:31-35, Rom. 8:28, Prov. 3:5-6
Reflection Questions
1. John the Baptist is in a difficult time in his life. Yet, instead of getting angry and withdrawing from God, he still seeks to hear from the Lord. How do you think John managed to do that?
1b. What is a really difficult season that you’ve gone through? Did you still go to the Lord, as John did, or did you withdraw from God? What was the outcome of whatever action you took?
2. In Luke 7:21-23, Jesus answers John’s question through His actions. In doing so, He proves to John that He is the one whom Scripture had foretold about (see Isaiah 26:19, 31:5-6, 61:1, and 61:11). How do you think John reacted to his disciples’ message of what Jesus did?
2b. Have you ever found yourself away from God’s Word for an extended amount of time? What was the outcome of that? If you came back to reading God’s Word regularly, what was the outcome of that? How can you better be in God’s Word on a more regular basis? Who can keep you accountable to that?
3. After John’s disciples leave, Jesus reminds the crowd that John is still a great prophet, despite the difficult time that he is going through. Yet, Christ also informs the crowd that everyone in His Kingdom is greater than John; the lowly of the crowd take this news exceptionally well, however the religious leaders are not happy to hear this news. What do you think the contempt between these two groups looked like?
3b. Jesus still speaks highly of John even in his questioning. Do you ever struggle to keep in mind how God views you, despite your difficulties? How can you keep a more Biblical view of yourself and view yourself more like God views you? How do you think that might change the way you live?
4. Surely, after sitting in prison for a year, John would have questioned God’s plan for his life. Have your life circumstances ever caused you to question God’s plan for your life? Are you in a season of your life that is different than you had anticipated it being like? If so, are you questioning God’s plan for your life during this season?