Introduction

“…he (Herod the tetrarch) locked John up in prison.” Lk. 3:20

The disciples of John reported to him about all these things. 19 Summoning two of his disciples, John sent them to the Lord, saying, “Are You the Expected One, or do we look for someone else?” 20 When the men came to Him, they said, “John the Baptist has sent us to You, to ask, ‘Are You the Expected One, or do we look for someone else?’”

21 At that very time He cured many people of diseases and afflictions and evil spirits; and He gave sight to many who were blind. 22 And He answered and said to them, “Go and report to John what you have seen and heard: the blind receive sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, the poor have the gospel preached to them. 23 Blessed is he who does not take offense at Me.”

24 When the messengers of John had left, He began to speak to the crowds about John,

Question #1. What did you go out into the wilderness to see?

A reed shaken by the wind?

Question #2. 25 But what did you go out to see?

A man dressed in soft clothing? Those who are splendidly clothed and live in luxury are found in royal palaces!

Question #3. 26 But what did you go out to see?

A prophet? Yes, I say to you, and one who is more than a prophet. 27 This is the one about whom it is written,

‘Behold, I send My messenger ahead of You,

Who will prepare Your way before You.’

28 I say to you, among those born of women there is no one greater than John; yet he who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.”

“What will this child turn out to be?” For the hand of the Lord was certainly with Him (John the Baptist)’ Lk. 1:66

So What?!

How do you live a life like John and Jesus?

#1. Clarify

“Are you the expected one…” vs. 19 & 20

#2. Risk

“Blessed is he who does not take offense at Me.” vs. 23

#3. Respect

“What did you go out into the wilderness to see?” vs. 24

#4. Spiritual Candor

“…My Messenger…” vs. 27

#5. Faithfulness

“…no one great than John…” vs. 28

Jesus the Philosopher: Answers for Life

Luke 7:18-28, June 17 & 20, 2021

Prayer Requests:

Group Discussion: Who was your best friend in Elementary School and what did you like about them?

Read out loud: Luke 7:18-28

How do you live a life like John and Jesus?

#1. Clarify your connection to Jesus as Savior and Lord: Savior is the One who was a substitute, died in your place and purchased eternal life for you, Lord is the One who commands you to live in a way that is honoring to God. Which of those two, Savior and Lord, do you appreciate the most, have the hardest time understanding, pray about regularly or as you read scripture have the greatest questions regarding.

#2. Risk building relationship with because of the cost and consequences. “Blessed is he who does not take offense at Me.” vs. 23. Jesus said there would be people who just couldn’t follow Him because they didn’t want a Savior and Lord who asked them for anything costly. What has it cost you to follow Jesus? As you look around the world do you know of Christians in other countries who pay a far greater cost at following Him than we do in the USA? All relationships have costs, have you ever lost a relationship because of the cost?

#3. Respect that is reciprocal. John the Baptist had respect for Jesus, (I am unworthy to untie His sandals) and Jesus had respect for John, (No one born of women is greater than John.) Who do you know for whom you have great respect because of their character? What character trait do you most appreciate about them? What character trait would you like to deepen or develop in your life?

Jesus asks, “What did you go out into the wilderness to see?” He’s asking if John was a leader or not and if you went to see a leader are you surprised that he has strong opinions? Since leaders always have strong opinions, what’s one opinion in your life that you’d consider strong?

#4. Spiritual Candor in conversation about Christ. Jesus calls John, “…My Messenger…” and means it as a tremendous compliment because John is fulfilling the role of an OT prophet. Do you have spiritual conversations with others than are open and honest?

#5. Faithfulness to your friends. Jesus shows great loyalty to John, “…no one great than John…” vs. 28 As you look back at your life, who has shown great faithfulness to you; mom, dad, brother, sister, friend, neighbor? Why?

Family Time: Read 7:28 to your kids and ask them, “Why do you think John the Baptist was the greatest person Jesus knew?” Talk about how John was a prophet, friend of Jesus and served Jesus by baptizing Him. Ask, who is the greatest person you know and why?