The Divine Story of Jesus and You: The Great Blessings of Acceptance
Copyright: South Bay Community Church
Sermon Reflections: The Divine Story of Jesus and You: The Great Blessings of Acceptance
Date: 28 July 2024
Speaker: Minister Paula Fuller
Scripture Text: Luke 7:18-35
Sermon Reflections: The Divine Story of Jesus and You: The Great Blessings of Acceptance
Date: 28 July 2024
Speaker: Minister Paula Fuller
Scripture Text: Luke 7:18-35
Sermon Quick Summary
The scripture text for today is from Luke 7:18-35 (ESV), which is Section 3.37 in your booklet, available at www.plusnothing.com. This scripture has Jesus’ teaching about great blessings for those who accept Jesus. John the Baptist prepares the way of the Lord. John the Baptist was imprisoned by Herod, and doubts entered his mind. John sent two of his followers to ask Jesus, “Are you the one who is coming, or should we wait for someone else?” Jesus responds to the question from John with action of immediate healing. Jesus affirms John’s ministry as a strong messenger through a solid reputation with Jesus. Jesus taught that even those who are least in the Kingdom of God are greater than John the Baptist. Unlike those who receive Jesus, the Pharisees rejected John the Baptist and Jesus. God’s wisdom is right and great blessings flow to those who accept Jesus Christ. A person who has accepted Jesus is blessed, spiritually favored, and has inner peace. In times of doubt, take questions to Jesus. God positions the blessed who accept Jesus to be able to live their life with power and purpose.
John the Baptist prepares the way of the Lord
Here is the background from scripture. The Angel Gabriel appeared to Zechariah the father of John the Baptist in the temple and announced his birth. Zechariah prophesied John would “prepare the way of the Lord.” Before birth John was filled with the Spirit. John preached a baptism of repentance, and many were saved. In fulfilling prophecy, John the Baptist baptized Jesus.
John the Baptist was imprisoned by Herod, and doubts entered John’s mind
King Herod imprisoned John after John rebuked Herod for taking his brother’s wife and for being evil. News of Jesus’ ministry is spreading, and John’s followers updated John. “John’s followers told him about all these things. John called for two of his followers. He sent them to the Lord to ask, ‘Are you the one who is coming, or should we wait for someone else?’” (Luke 7:18-19). When a person is locked in prison, one has a lot of free time and all sorts of thoughts and doubts might enter the mind. What happened to John to create doubt? Scripture does not tell us why John the Baptist had doubt.
Jesus responds to the question from John with action of immediate healing
Jesus does not answer John’s question directly. “Right then Jesus healed many people of their sicknesses and diseases. He healed those who had evil spirits and made many who were blind able to see again. The he said to John’s followers, ‘Go tell John what you have seen and heard: The blind can see. The crippled can walk. People with leprosy are healed. The deaf can hear. The dead are brought back to life. And the Good News is being told to the poor. Great blessings belong to those who don’t have a problem accepting me.’” (Luke 7:20-23).
Jesus affirms John’s ministry as a strong messenger through a solid reputation with Jesus
“When John’s followers left, Jesus began talking to the people about John: What did you people go out into the desert to see? Someone who is weak like a stem of grass blowing in the wind? Really what did you expect to see? Someone dressed in fine clothes? Of course not! People who wear fancy clothes and live in luxury are all in king’s palaces. So what did you go out to see, a prophet? Yes, John is a prophet. But I tell you; he is more than that. This Scripture was written about him: ‘Listen, I will send my messenger ahead of you. He will prepare the way for you.’” (Luke 7:24-27).
We may consider it surprising to us that Jesus does not share with John that John is more than a prophet. Jesus does not mention it until after John’s followers leave. However, most important is that John has a reputation with the Lord Jesus.
Jesus taught that even those who are least in the Kingdom of God are greater than John the Baptist
“’I tell you, no one ever born is greater than John. But even the least important in God’s Kingdom is greater than John.’ When the people heard this, they all agreed that God’s teaching was good. Even the tax collectors agreed. These people were the people baptized by John” (Luke 7:28-29). This statement can seem shocking to us. Have you ever wondered what your reputation is in heaven? If you are part of the Kingdom of God, even the least in the Kingdom, Jesus declares that you are greater than John the Baptist. John announced that the Kingdom of God is at hand. As a follower of Christ, you are already in the Kingdom of God. John baptized with water; Jesus baptized with the Holy Spirit. When you received Christ, you received the gift of the Holy Spirit.
John lived with passion and purpose. When you receive Jesus Christ and the gift of the Holy Spirit, you are greater than John. How does God want you to live?
Unlike those who receive Jesus, the Pharisees rejected John the Baptist and Jesus
“But the Pharisees and experts in 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?’ They 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 the usual food or drink wine. And you say, ‘He has a demon inside him.’ The Son of Man came eating and drinking. And you say, ‘Look at him! He eats too much and drinks too much wine! He is a friend of tax collectors and other sinners!’” (Luke 7: 30-34). The Pharisees refused to be baptized by John. They rejected John as someone with a demon. They rejected Jesus as someone who eats and drinks in hanging out with the wrong crowd. The problem was not with John or Jesus. The problem was that the Pharisees refused to admit their need for Jesus.
In other scripture texts, Jesus taught the consequences of rejecting Jesus. For example: “Jesus said, ‘I came into this world so that the world could be judged. I came so that people are blind could see. And I came so that people who think they see would become blind.’ Some of the Pharisees were near Jesus. They heard him say this. They asked, ‘What? Are you saying that we are blind too?’ Jesus said, ‘If you were really blind, you would not be guilty of sin. But you say that you see, so you are still guilty.’” (John 9-39-41). “If the blind lead the blind, they end up in a ditch” (Matthew 15:14).
God’s wisdom is right and great blessings flow to those who accept Jesus Christ
“But wisdom is shown to be right by those who accept it” (Luke 7:35). Great blessings mean that the person has inner peace and is spiritually favored as one who has accepted Jesus. In times of doubt, take your questions to Jesus. God positions the blessed who accept Jesus to be able to live their life with power and purpose.
Big Picture Concluding Thoughts
In accepting Christ, we receive blessings. We have inner peace and are spiritually favored. In times of doubt, like John, we can bring our questions to Jesus. Jesus can handle the doubts of you and me. When John’s followers asked Jesus a question, he did not reply with words. He offered action. We can look at God’s track record in God’s Word. We can also look at God’s track record in what God has done in our lives. Similarly it is not just our words, but our action in “walking the walk” that impact others for the Kingdom of God.
We can ask Jesus to address our challenges, “God, where are you in this situation?”
God positions all of God’s followers in the Kingdom of God to be able to live with power and purpose through the guidance of the Holy Spirit through Jesus Christ. As believers in Christ, by God’s grace and mercy, we are greater than John the Baptist, a mighty prophet. Are you greater than John the Baptist, and if so, what does that mean for how to live your life?
God’s wisdom is shown to be right by those who accept that wisdom through Jesus Christ. What is the wisdom that God is showing you today to see the great blessings God has given you?
If you have not accepted Christ, you are not in a position to receive the blessing God wants you to have. We extend to you an invitation to accept Jesus and receive God’s blessings and inner peace. Please contact us at South Bay Community Church (510 490-9500). We would love for you to experience the blessings of accepting Jesus Christ.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS INCLUDING FAMILY GROUPS
Sermon Quick Summary
-When have you relied upon acceptance of the divine (God, the Lord Jesus, and the Holy Spirit within you) as all sufficient for great blessings?
John the Baptist prepares the way of the Lord
-The ministry of the great prophet John the Baptist was to prepare the way of the Lord. As a believer in Christ, how can you prepare the way of the Lord in the lives of others?
John the Baptist was imprisoned by Herod, and doubts entered John’s mind
-When have you been in the midst of difficult circumstances, such as John the Baptist in prison, and had doubts even for something you did not doubt previously?
-When we have doubts, why is it so important to bring questions that perplex us to Jesus?
Jesus responds to the question from John with action of immediate healing
-Jesus does not respond to John’s questions with only words, but with action in immediate healing. In what ways can you follow the model of Jesus and respond to questions of doubt not with just words?
-When you act by “walking the walk” what does a doubter see?
Jesus affirms John’s ministry as a strong messenger through a solid reputation with Jesus
-Why is John the Baptist such a strong messenger preparing the way for Christ?
-How can we be strong messengers and not weak in following the ways of the fallen world?
Jesus taught that even those who are least in the Kingdom of God are greater than John the Baptist
-As a believer in Christ participating in the Kingdom of God on earth, what do you think is your reputation among those in heaven? Why?
Unlike those who receive Jesus, the Pharisees rejected John the Baptist and Jesus
-What blessings are missed by those who reject the ministry of John the Baptist and Jesus Christ, including some who are religious leaders without accepting Jesus Christ? Why?
God’s wisdom is right that great blessings flow to those who accept Jesus Christ
-What are the great blessings to those who accept Jesus Christ, as taught by God’s wisdom? Why?
Big Picture Concluding Thoughts
- What is the wisdom that God is showing you today to see the great blessings from accepting Christ that God has given you to live your life with power and purpose? How can this make a difference in your life journey?
The scripture text for today is from Luke 7:18-35 (ESV), which is Section 3.37 in your booklet, available at www.plusnothing.com. This scripture has Jesus’ teaching about great blessings for those who accept Jesus. John the Baptist prepares the way of the Lord. John the Baptist was imprisoned by Herod, and doubts entered his mind. John sent two of his followers to ask Jesus, “Are you the one who is coming, or should we wait for someone else?” Jesus responds to the question from John with action of immediate healing. Jesus affirms John’s ministry as a strong messenger through a solid reputation with Jesus. Jesus taught that even those who are least in the Kingdom of God are greater than John the Baptist. Unlike those who receive Jesus, the Pharisees rejected John the Baptist and Jesus. God’s wisdom is right and great blessings flow to those who accept Jesus Christ. A person who has accepted Jesus is blessed, spiritually favored, and has inner peace. In times of doubt, take questions to Jesus. God positions the blessed who accept Jesus to be able to live their life with power and purpose.
John the Baptist prepares the way of the Lord
Here is the background from scripture. The Angel Gabriel appeared to Zechariah the father of John the Baptist in the temple and announced his birth. Zechariah prophesied John would “prepare the way of the Lord.” Before birth John was filled with the Spirit. John preached a baptism of repentance, and many were saved. In fulfilling prophecy, John the Baptist baptized Jesus.
John the Baptist was imprisoned by Herod, and doubts entered John’s mind
King Herod imprisoned John after John rebuked Herod for taking his brother’s wife and for being evil. News of Jesus’ ministry is spreading, and John’s followers updated John. “John’s followers told him about all these things. John called for two of his followers. He sent them to the Lord to ask, ‘Are you the one who is coming, or should we wait for someone else?’” (Luke 7:18-19). When a person is locked in prison, one has a lot of free time and all sorts of thoughts and doubts might enter the mind. What happened to John to create doubt? Scripture does not tell us why John the Baptist had doubt.
Jesus responds to the question from John with action of immediate healing
Jesus does not answer John’s question directly. “Right then Jesus healed many people of their sicknesses and diseases. He healed those who had evil spirits and made many who were blind able to see again. The he said to John’s followers, ‘Go tell John what you have seen and heard: The blind can see. The crippled can walk. People with leprosy are healed. The deaf can hear. The dead are brought back to life. And the Good News is being told to the poor. Great blessings belong to those who don’t have a problem accepting me.’” (Luke 7:20-23).
Jesus affirms John’s ministry as a strong messenger through a solid reputation with Jesus
“When John’s followers left, Jesus began talking to the people about John: What did you people go out into the desert to see? Someone who is weak like a stem of grass blowing in the wind? Really what did you expect to see? Someone dressed in fine clothes? Of course not! People who wear fancy clothes and live in luxury are all in king’s palaces. So what did you go out to see, a prophet? Yes, John is a prophet. But I tell you; he is more than that. This Scripture was written about him: ‘Listen, I will send my messenger ahead of you. He will prepare the way for you.’” (Luke 7:24-27).
We may consider it surprising to us that Jesus does not share with John that John is more than a prophet. Jesus does not mention it until after John’s followers leave. However, most important is that John has a reputation with the Lord Jesus.
Jesus taught that even those who are least in the Kingdom of God are greater than John the Baptist
“’I tell you, no one ever born is greater than John. But even the least important in God’s Kingdom is greater than John.’ When the people heard this, they all agreed that God’s teaching was good. Even the tax collectors agreed. These people were the people baptized by John” (Luke 7:28-29). This statement can seem shocking to us. Have you ever wondered what your reputation is in heaven? If you are part of the Kingdom of God, even the least in the Kingdom, Jesus declares that you are greater than John the Baptist. John announced that the Kingdom of God is at hand. As a follower of Christ, you are already in the Kingdom of God. John baptized with water; Jesus baptized with the Holy Spirit. When you received Christ, you received the gift of the Holy Spirit.
John lived with passion and purpose. When you receive Jesus Christ and the gift of the Holy Spirit, you are greater than John. How does God want you to live?
Unlike those who receive Jesus, the Pharisees rejected John the Baptist and Jesus
“But the Pharisees and experts in 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?’ They 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 the usual food or drink wine. And you say, ‘He has a demon inside him.’ The Son of Man came eating and drinking. And you say, ‘Look at him! He eats too much and drinks too much wine! He is a friend of tax collectors and other sinners!’” (Luke 7: 30-34). The Pharisees refused to be baptized by John. They rejected John as someone with a demon. They rejected Jesus as someone who eats and drinks in hanging out with the wrong crowd. The problem was not with John or Jesus. The problem was that the Pharisees refused to admit their need for Jesus.
In other scripture texts, Jesus taught the consequences of rejecting Jesus. For example: “Jesus said, ‘I came into this world so that the world could be judged. I came so that people are blind could see. And I came so that people who think they see would become blind.’ Some of the Pharisees were near Jesus. They heard him say this. They asked, ‘What? Are you saying that we are blind too?’ Jesus said, ‘If you were really blind, you would not be guilty of sin. But you say that you see, so you are still guilty.’” (John 9-39-41). “If the blind lead the blind, they end up in a ditch” (Matthew 15:14).
God’s wisdom is right and great blessings flow to those who accept Jesus Christ
“But wisdom is shown to be right by those who accept it” (Luke 7:35). Great blessings mean that the person has inner peace and is spiritually favored as one who has accepted Jesus. In times of doubt, take your questions to Jesus. God positions the blessed who accept Jesus to be able to live their life with power and purpose.
Big Picture Concluding Thoughts
In accepting Christ, we receive blessings. We have inner peace and are spiritually favored. In times of doubt, like John, we can bring our questions to Jesus. Jesus can handle the doubts of you and me. When John’s followers asked Jesus a question, he did not reply with words. He offered action. We can look at God’s track record in God’s Word. We can also look at God’s track record in what God has done in our lives. Similarly it is not just our words, but our action in “walking the walk” that impact others for the Kingdom of God.
We can ask Jesus to address our challenges, “God, where are you in this situation?”
God positions all of God’s followers in the Kingdom of God to be able to live with power and purpose through the guidance of the Holy Spirit through Jesus Christ. As believers in Christ, by God’s grace and mercy, we are greater than John the Baptist, a mighty prophet. Are you greater than John the Baptist, and if so, what does that mean for how to live your life?
God’s wisdom is shown to be right by those who accept that wisdom through Jesus Christ. What is the wisdom that God is showing you today to see the great blessings God has given you?
If you have not accepted Christ, you are not in a position to receive the blessing God wants you to have. We extend to you an invitation to accept Jesus and receive God’s blessings and inner peace. Please contact us at South Bay Community Church (510 490-9500). We would love for you to experience the blessings of accepting Jesus Christ.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS INCLUDING FAMILY GROUPS
Sermon Quick Summary
-When have you relied upon acceptance of the divine (God, the Lord Jesus, and the Holy Spirit within you) as all sufficient for great blessings?
John the Baptist prepares the way of the Lord
-The ministry of the great prophet John the Baptist was to prepare the way of the Lord. As a believer in Christ, how can you prepare the way of the Lord in the lives of others?
John the Baptist was imprisoned by Herod, and doubts entered John’s mind
-When have you been in the midst of difficult circumstances, such as John the Baptist in prison, and had doubts even for something you did not doubt previously?
-When we have doubts, why is it so important to bring questions that perplex us to Jesus?
Jesus responds to the question from John with action of immediate healing
-Jesus does not respond to John’s questions with only words, but with action in immediate healing. In what ways can you follow the model of Jesus and respond to questions of doubt not with just words?
-When you act by “walking the walk” what does a doubter see?
Jesus affirms John’s ministry as a strong messenger through a solid reputation with Jesus
-Why is John the Baptist such a strong messenger preparing the way for Christ?
-How can we be strong messengers and not weak in following the ways of the fallen world?
Jesus taught that even those who are least in the Kingdom of God are greater than John the Baptist
-As a believer in Christ participating in the Kingdom of God on earth, what do you think is your reputation among those in heaven? Why?
Unlike those who receive Jesus, the Pharisees rejected John the Baptist and Jesus
-What blessings are missed by those who reject the ministry of John the Baptist and Jesus Christ, including some who are religious leaders without accepting Jesus Christ? Why?
God’s wisdom is right that great blessings flow to those who accept Jesus Christ
-What are the great blessings to those who accept Jesus Christ, as taught by God’s wisdom? Why?
Big Picture Concluding Thoughts
- What is the wisdom that God is showing you today to see the great blessings from accepting Christ that God has given you to live your life with power and purpose? How can this make a difference in your life journey?
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