Into the Wilderness

IIT UBF - University Bible Fellowship at IIT

Into the Wilderness

Date: Mar. 25, 2023

Passage

Luke 7:24-35 (ESV)

24 When John’s messengers had gone, Jesus began to speak to the crowds concerning John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? 25 What then did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing? Behold, those who are dressed in splendid clothing and live in luxury are in kings’ courts. 26 What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 27 This is he of whom it is written,

“‘Behold, I send my messenger before your face,
who will prepare your way before you.’

28 I tell you, among those born of women none is greater than John. Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.” 29 (When all the people heard this, and the tax collectors too, they declared God just, having been baptized with the baptism of John, 30 but the Pharisees and the lawyers rejected the purpose of God for themselves, not having been baptized by him.)

31 “To what then shall I compare the people of this generation, and what are they like? 32 They are like children sitting in the marketplace and calling to one another,

“‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance;
we sang a dirge, and you did not weep.’

33 For John the Baptist has come eating no bread and drinking no wine, and you say, ‘He has a demon.’ 34 The Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Look at him! A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ 35 Yet wisdom is justified by all her children.”

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version (ESV) is adapted from the Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. All rights reserved.

For information on how the ESV can be quoted, please visit our permission site.

Daily Bread

Key Verse: 7:24

When John’s messengers had gone, Jesus began to speak to the crowds concerning John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind?

Although John taught in the wilderness and by the Jordan river, many people came to him and later to Jesus from all over the Judean countryside to hear the good news of God's Kingdom. John preached repentance for the forgiveness of sins and prepared the way for Jesus. New hope and life were given to all who believed in their message.

Radical inclusivity marked Jesus' ministry. The sick, poor, unclean, and even notorious sinners were drawn to Jesus. It is because Jesus embraced and loved them.

The people most resistant to receive and accept John and Jesus were the religious leaders and teachers of the law. They could not change their minds about their own interpretation of what the Messiah should look like to them. They distorted reality based on their own ideas and agenda. They stayed in their comfort zone. In doing so, they rejected God's purpose for themselves and preserved their own shameful ways. Even now, we interpret and make our own image of Jesus to fit our politics and/or cultural norms excluding many whom Jesus would embrace. Yet the wisdom and grace of Jesus continues to advance in the unlikeliest of places.

Prayer: Prayer: Lord, we come to you out of our comfort zones and into the wilderness because you offer amazing grace and hope to all.

One Word: One Word: Go and see.

Jacob’s Family Grows

Genesis 29:31-30:24

Key Verse: 29:29:35

(Laban gave his female servant Bilhah to his daughter Rachel to be her servant.)

Today's Question

What is the fifth commandment?

See answer and references