What Jesus Did! 'More than a Prophet' — Luke 7:24-26

Saturday, April 29, 2023

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? 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. Were you looking for a prophet? Yes, and he is more than a prophet."
— Luke 7:24-26 NLT

Key Thought

John the Baptizer had changed everything! The voice of God in the prophets had been silent for hundreds of years. When John burst onto the scene, the people heard the human voice of John; but underneath that voice, they felt the power and presence of God. John came and was a prophet who pointed others to Jesus. But John was much more than a prophet; he was a trailblazer. He made the way ready for the Messiah and opened the hearts of the people to the Savior who was the Lamb of God. He spoke with integrity and lived with the singular focus of preparing the way for the Messiah sent by God. He was known by his godly character, his passionate preaching of God's message, and his unquenchable passion for making people ready for the Messiah. He was Jesus' cousin, forerunner, and servant. Yes, John was much more than a prophet!

Today's Prayer

O God Almighty, the great God who keeps his promises and is faithful to his people, thank you for sending John. I appreciate his example of service to Jesus. I am convicted by the integrity and clarity of his message regardless of his audience. Help me to be more like John in my service to my King, Jesus, in whose name I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • John 1:19-29
  • John 3:27-30
  • Luke 1:13, 17

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

1 Related Resource by Heartlight

The One?
Devo: A Year with Jesus
"Dear Disciple, Doubt! Even the best people have periods of doubt. My cousin John the Baptist was in prison awaiting certain death at the hands of..."

Illustration

Illustration of Luke 7:24-26 NLT — "What kind of man did you go into the wilderness to see?"

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Saturday, April 29, 2023

Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Evening Thought: Mark 16:9
"Jesus "appeared first to Mary Magdalene," probably not only on account of her great love and persevering seeking, but because, as the context..."
God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'Jesus Will Baptize with the Holy Spirit'
"[John the Baptizer:] "I baptize you with water, but [Jesus] will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.""
A Year with Jesus
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
''Rubber Meets the Road' Discipleship'
"Dear Beloved, I know that believing in Me is not always easy or natural. So I want to remind you of My half-brother James. My apostle James had been...."
Daily Wisdom
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
Hebrews 11:1
"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

More What Jesus Did!