Luke records two remarkable examples of the forbearing, loving, compassionate heart of our Lord Jesus, found in the 7th chapter of his narrative. This devotional concerns Jesus’ thoughts concerning John the Baptist.
John had introduced Jesus to the Jews as the promised Messiah (e.g. Luke 3:16-22; John 3:19-31), testifying that, “This is the Son of God!” (John 1:34). We know how things went for John not long after this announcement: He was thrown into prison by Herod Antipas (Mark 6). While in prison, Luke informs us of John’s doubts and questioning concerning Jesus: Sending some of his disciples to Jesus, he had them ask: “Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?” (Luke 7:19)
Wow, the forerunner of Christ, the very man who introduced Jesus to Israel as her Messiah, faltered in his faith! Jesus’ reaction to John’s inquiry reveals the true heart of God for His people, both strong and weak, great and small.
Jesus sends John’s men back with this message: “Report to John what you’ve seen and heard: The diseased are being restored, the dead brought back to life; the Good News is being proclaimed!”
These were, in fact, works of ministry that validated Jesus as Messiah!
Here’s the simple lesson for us; a needed reminder: Everybody (even tremendous men of God like John) occasionally fails and falls short. But, rather than react with disgust and crushing condemnation, Jesus responds with compassionate, timely, real answers. The only folks who will not receive this kind of mercy are the kind of people Luke writes about as the narrative continues: the Pharisees and “experts” in the law who refused John’s message that Jesus was Israel’s Messiah (Luke 7:30).
These men were among the impenitent, those who refused to turn from their wretched, corrupt ways, acknowledging Jesus as the world’s Redeemer. For such men there is no hope.
The mere testimony of John’s disciples as to what Jesus was doing was validation enough for John; being eyewitnesses of Christ’s ministry was not enough for the Pharisees and scribes, simply because they had rejected God’s purposes for them (Luke 7:30).
So, weary, discouraged, faint-hearted traveler, be encouraged: God is your best friend; He’s cheering you on — if you will only still your heart long enough to hear Him. He is speaking through the voice of a close friend, loved one, your quiet times in His Word, your circumstances, by His Spirit in you and the worship songs you listen to!
“There is no fear in love [dread does not exist]. But perfect (complete, full-grown) love drives out fear, because fear involves [the expectation of divine] punishment, so the one who is afraid [of God’s judgment] is not perfected in love [has not grown into a sufficient understanding of God’s love]” I John 4:18.