Knowing The Word in Luke 7:24-30

John the Baptizer

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? 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.)

Comments

John was a tough and tested man, not easily swayed like a reed by the wind. That his clothes were not soft means they were not luxurious but also can mean, secondarily, effeminate, which clearly does not describe John. Jesus demonstrated his office of a prophet quoting prophecy. The Malachi 3:1 reference shows that John has the honor of being the forerunner of Jesus the Messiah.

Jesus shows John the greatest respect by calling him the greatest born of women, yet what he says next about the kingdom of God is confusing. What is Jesus talking about? Is he putting down John? He was making the statement that a new age is beginning in the life of Jesus as he ushered in the kingdom of God. And as great as John was, he predates the kingdom. He is not living in the new age of the New Covenant, brought into being at the cross, but in the old age of the Old Covenant.

Why did Jesus not include the tax collectors in “all the people” but separate them out? He did so to compare them with the Pharisees. The tax collectors, some of the most despised men in Israel (traitors employed by the Roman occupiers) acknowledged their sins and accepted the ways of God, having been baptized by John. But the smug Pharisees found nothing to repent of and rejected God’s way and his will, being content to argue over minute points of the law.

Application

The inability to recognize one’s own sinful and hurtful nature, opens a chasm between oneself and God. Closed mindedness leads to mistake after mistake. Consider where you might be close minded to your own sins.

Prayer

Father, you alone are holy, along with the Son and the Holy Spirit. I am a sinner, whom you welcome into your company. Assist me in having a right understanding of myself, of where I fall short of true holiness and righteousness. Lead me into repentance, that I may turn from sinful thoughts and actions in my life, and better reflect my Savior to others.