IIT UBF - University Bible Fellowship at IIT

Daily Bread

Jesus Encourages John's Disciples

Date: Feb. 22, 2020

Passage

Luke 7:18-23

Messengers from John the Baptist

18 The disciples of John reported all these things to him. And John, 19 calling two of his disciples to him, sent them to the Lord, saying, “Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?” 20 And when the men had come to him, they said, “John the Baptist has sent us to you, saying, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?’” 21 In that hour he healed many people of diseases and plagues and evil spirits, and on many who were blind he bestowed sight. 22 And he answered them, “Go and tell John what you have seen and heard: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, the poor have good news preached to them. 23 And blessed is the one who is not offended by me.”

Daily Bread

Key Verse: Luke 7:23

And blessed is the one who is not offended by me.”

1. Troubled disciples of John (18-20)

John the Baptist had called the people of his time to repent, and had even challenged King Herod's immoral life. His good works prepared the way for the Lord's coming. But now he was in prison and soon to be killed. Doubt began to attack John's disciples and possibly John himself, so he sent two of his disciples to ask Jesus if he was really the one they were hoping for. This is the best thing to do when doubts arise.

2. "Go back and report" (21-23)

In response, Jesus simply described his messianic ministry using the words of the prophet Isaiah. (Isa 61:1; 35:5,6) Jesus' ministry fit God's word, verifying God's faithfulness and Jesus' identity. God doesn't promise an easy life, but a meaningful life. Jesus taught John's disciples to focus on the work of God that was going on, and gave a victorious report for them to bring back to John in prison.

Prayer: Prayer: Father, thank you for the privilege to participate in your work in my generation. Open my eyes to see the good things going on according to your word.

One Word: Be encouraged by looking at God's work

Daily Bread

The Lord Judges the Proud

Psalm 75:1-10

Key Verse: 75:2

“At the set time that I appoint
I will judge with equity.

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