Key Thought

We sometimes exalt key figures in the Scriptures to the legendary status of "Bible Characters." We don't allow them to have bad days, doubts, lapses of passion, or faith dilemmas. However, Jesus is the only flesh and blood "Bible character" that was sinless. All the others had feet of clay. Even John the Baptist, with all of his passion and integrity, wanted to know for sure that Jesus was who John claimed him to be. Jesus' demonstration of what John prophesied was different, at least from the distance John viewed him. (Remember Herod had John in prison and would soon execute him.) The crucial issue about John is that he kept seeking the truth, even in his moments of confusion. So often when we have doubts, we can let the doubts overtake us and we grow silent and afraid to seek for the truth. Jesus never discouraged truth seekers! Jesus was not afraid to answer questions from his critics, the skeptics, or even his followers who doubted. In your struggles, you will no doubt pass through a valley or two of doubt or confusion. Don't be afraid to be honest with Jesus about your struggles. So often, that is exactly where we find the Lord; he is there waiting for the seeker who honestly comes to him with questions.

Today's Prayer

Today's Verses in Context

John's followers told John about all these things. John called for two of his followers. John sent them to the Lord (Jesus) to ask, "Are you the One that is coming, or should we wait for another person?" So the men came to Jesus. They said, "John the Baptizer sent us to you with this question: 'Are you the One that is coming, or should we wait for another person?'" At that time, Jesus healed many people of their sicknesses, diseases, and evil spirits {from the devil}. Jesus healed many blind people so that they could see again. Then Jesus said to John's followers, "Go tell John the things that you saw and heard here. Blind people are healed and can see. Crippled people are healed and can walk. People with leprosy are healed. Deaf people are healed and can hear. Dead people are given life. And the Good News {about God's kingdom} is given to the poor people. What great blessings there are for the person that can accept me!" When John's followers left, Jesus began to tell the people about John: "What did you people go out into the desert to see? A weed blown by the wind? What did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No. Those people that have fine, nice clothes live in kings' houses. Really, what did you go out to see? A prophet ? Yes, and I tell you, John is more than a prophet. This was written about John: 'Listen! I (God) will send my helper ahead of you. He will prepare the way for you.' I tell you, John is greater than any man ever born. But even the least important person in the kingdom of God is greater than John." (When the people heard this, they all agreed that God's teaching was good. Even the tax collectors agreed. These were the people that were baptized by John. But the Pharisees and teachers of the law refused to accept God's plan for themselves; they did not let John baptize them.) "What shall I say about the people of this time? What can I compare them to? What are they like? The people of this time are like children sitting in the marketplace. One group of children calls to the other children and says, 'We played flute music for you, but you did not dance; we sang a sad song, but you did not cry.' John the Baptizer came and did not eat {like other people} or drink wine. And you say, 'He has a demon inside him.' The Son of Man came eating {like other people} and drinking wine. And you say, 'Look at him! He eats too much and drinks too much wine! He is a friend of the tax collectors and other bad people!' But wisdom is shown to be right by the things it does."

— Luke 7:18-35 (ERV)

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