Luke 7:18-23
Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
As you have heard the past two Sundays, John has a commission from God; and that is to be the forerunner to announce the coming of Jesus the long-promised Messiah. John had the privilege of being the voice crying in the wilderness, preparing the people for the coming of their Savior. What a blessing and privilege to be called for such a high and important task.
In our Gospel text today, John’s in quite a different situation – and state of mind – than you or he would think. He’s announcing the coming of Israel’s Savior and Redeemer. This is the time for making Israel renown again; a time to look forward to great prosperity and happiness.
So, is it any wonder that in our Gospel this morning John seems confused? “John, calling two of his disciples to him, sent them to the Lord, saying, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?’ And when the men had come to [Jesus], they said, ‘John the Baptist has sent us to you, saying, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?’” (Luke 7:18-20)
Life wasn’t what was expected for God’s people; things weren’t all good. They didn’t see a power move come in with Christ or a coup against the current ruling regime. Where’s the power and greatness? What a disappointment. Jesus’ actions weren’t that of a savior the people perceived.
Jesus’ reply to John’s disciples showed that He is the promised one through the fulfilling of the words of the prophets: “In that hour [Jesus] healed many people of diseases and plagues and evil spirits, and on many who were blind he bestowed sight. And he answered [John’s disciples], ‘Go and tell John what you have seen and heard: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, the poor have good news preached to them. And blessed is the one who is not offended by me’” (Luke 7:21-23).
John’s in prison, doubting and trying to understand because Jesus is the one who’s supposed to give sight to the blind, make the lame walk, cleanse the lepers, and free the prisoners… and John’s in prison, wondering where his help is. He did what he was supposed to; and now he’s in prison. This is opposite of what one would think. Where’s the overthrow of power?
Is this not the guy? Is any of this stuff even real? More than a prophet, John still struggles. His life was not turning out the way he was hoping. In fact, John would soon lose his head – literally – at the hands of Herrod. Martyred for the sake of Jesus. Not a life and end that you or I would choose or desire for ourselves.
When you look at your life and the many, many things going on – the frustrations, troubles, trials, disappointments, sufferings, and tribulations – do you wonder or doubt God’s love and care for you? Do you ever think that following Jesus isn’t for you because you were looking for something grander? Do you ever feel like John, “Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?”
You and I need be conscious of our own “John in prison moments” of doubt in life in this cursed and fallen world. The prosperity gospel is all over the place – the idea that you become a Christian and your life’s going to change so dramatically that all your problems are just going to melt away like the spring thaw. It is the natural disposition of mankind to think this way.
Jesus’ questions to those gathered are diagnostic for us also; He “began to speak to the crowds concerning John: ‘What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? 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. What then did you go out to see?” (Luke 7:24-26).
You gathered then and you dear Christian today, what did you expect when becoming a disciple? Our natural self is always looking for something different than we have; it’s a contentment – a first commandment issue – and most people in this world, the vast majority of people, are in a state of discontentment and anxiety. How about you?
Well, take heart, you’re not forgotten; your not alone. God’s promises for you are sure and certain. Jesus pierces through the doubt and anxiety of this world and your life; not just with signs and wonders, but with a sure and certain word and promise of God. The poor still have good news preached to them; and this word comforts the poor still being poor, even when some of the blind can’t see yet and not all the lame can walk. By faith they’re still forgiven; and where there’s forgiveness of sins, there’s life and salvation for sinners.
John wasn’t called to find comfort in the signs themselves, but in the word and promises of God. Jesus saves sinners from eternal death and condemnation. He rescues sinners from hell. He’s borne the cross of sin and destruction for those struggling, and doubting, and dying. “Blessed is the one who is not offended by me” Jesus says. It’s not about how He saves, or who He saves, or what it looks like while He saves. We will have tribulation in this world, but take heart, He’s already overcome the world.
You can know the promises of God; the mercy of your heavenly Father, the grace of your Savior’s care, and the sureness of the Holy Spirit’s calling. Here in this Divine Service from the Lord to you, you hear His Word preached, you taste and see in His Supper that the Lord is good. No matter how tough life is, he’s always here for you in Word and Sacrament to assure you.
Yes, this life in many times and at many places is tough, but the Good News has been preached to you. God became everything we wish we weren’t; lowly, sinful, alone, afraid, dead. And in doing so, He saved you from it all, so that you would forever have a life of perfection and glory with God in His kingdom without end.
Having this Word from God, The Word, you and I and all the faithful can do as Zephaniah describes (3:14-15), “Sing aloud, O daughter of Zion; shout, O Israel! Rejoice and exult with all your heart, O daughter of Jerusalem! The Lord has taken away the judgments against you; he has cleared away your enemies. The King of Israel, the Lord, is in your midst; you shall never again fear evil.” That’s what our singing of hymns in worship really is; our response to his presence and for all the good the Lord has done.
This life is not to fear because of the forever life that is to come. Be comforted in the midst of your doubts by Paul’s word to you (Philippians 4:4-7), “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” Amen.
The peace of God that passes all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Phil. 4:7). Amen.
Rev. Daniel Herb
Messiah Lutheran Church
Middletown, OH
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