Blesses

We are currently revisiting the story of Jesus as written by Luke. Periodically, we will skip over a passage so that we can complete this gospel (“good news”) with the RESET series. Please check out Luke 7:1-17. Today, we receive a blessing.


Luke 7
18 The disciples of John the Baptist told John about everything Jesus was doing. So John called for two of his disciples, 19 and he sent them to the Lord to ask him, “Are you the Messiah we’ve been expecting, or should we keep looking for someone else?” 20 John’s two disciples found Jesus and said to him, “John the Baptist sent us to ask, ‘Are you the Messiah we’ve been expecting, or should we keep looking for someone else?’” 21 At that very time, Jesus cured many people of their diseases, illnesses, and evil spirits, and he restored sight to many who were blind. 22 Then he told John’s disciples, “Go back to John and tell him what you have seen and heard - the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, and the Good News is being preached to the poor. 23 And tell him, ‘God blesses those who do not turn away because of me.’” 24 After John’s disciples left, Jesus began talking about him to the crowds. “What kind of man did you go into the wilderness to see? Was he a weak reed, swayed by every breath of wind? 25 Or were you expecting to see a man dressed in expensive clothes? No, people who wear beautiful clothes and live in luxury are found in palaces. 26 Were you looking for a prophet? Yes, and he is more than a prophet. 27 John is the man to whom the Scriptures refer when they say, ‘Look, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, and he will prepare your way before you.’ 28 I tell you, of all who have ever lived, none is greater than John. Yet even the least person in the Kingdom of God is greater than he is!”


Blesses. I love this story ... for numerous reasons. I appreciate the fact that John (“the baptist”) had doubts. If there was ever anyone that should have known Jesus was the Messiah, it was John. It provides me comfort when I have moments of doubt. Even more than that, I appreciate the answer Jesus offers. He doesn’t respond by saying yes or know. Instead, he says look around, see what God is doing. For me, this is one of the reasons it is so important to be connected with others on this same journey ... whether it is in a Community Group or serving on a ministry team. There are going to be times when life is frustrating and overwhelming ... times when we begin to wonder if God has forgotten about us or abandoned us. It is in those moments that you will need to have others around you that will remind you that God is still near and still at work even though you may not feel it or see it at that time. Most importantly, I appreciate what Jesus says about himself, “God blesses those who do not turn away because of me.” I love that honesty. Like we said, last Friday and then talked about this past weekend, Jesus says and does some stuff that just doesn’t make sense or turns what we believe upside-down. The key is to not give in to those doubts and allow them to turn to unbelief; instead, keep watching, keep listening, keep questioning.