John the Baptist was in prison by this point (Matt 11:2), but his disciples were able to keep in touch with him and informed him of all that Jesus was doing. John wanted reassurance that Jesus was indeed the Messiah. Why did he want this? Why the doubts? Partly it is down to the fact that he had been in prison for some time and this was no doubt deeply discouraging. Secondly, perhaps things were not going in the way John expected. Perhaps he shared some of the common misconceptions of what the Messiah would do.
So John's disciples went to Jesus, who had been carrying out many healings of various sorts. The miracles demonstrated that Jesus was the Messiah. As did the fact that the good news was preached to the poor, and this is an element that Luke emphasises. A key sign of authentic revival is that people rejected by society will be reached, for true revival is instigated and directed by God, and He has very different ideas than we have.
"Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me". Jesus will surprise and shock all of us. We need to ensure that when this happen we let Jesus change our thinking, rather than us taking offence.
Jesus then speaks to the crowds to ensure John is respected and to correct their thinking. John was a great prophet, but he was pointing to one much greater than he, and to something much greater. Coming into the kingdom of God is the most important thing.
Luke then notes that the tax collectors and other who had been baptised acknowledged Jesus, but the religious leaders did not. Repentance is the key.
However, there were many who rejected Jesus. They complained that John was too austere, and that Jesus was not austere enough. People will always find something to object to. We need to beware of this trend within ourselves. True wisdom is demonstrated by the fruit that it produces.
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