Good morning! What a beautiful morning so far!
I hope you all had a great weekend. We went to my brother's home in Orchard Park NY for the weekend for a small family gathering. Saturday was a fun day of sailing and the Buffalo Science Museum, Sunday was family picnic with my sister-in-law's family and then Monday we had breakfast in the park with the extended Reed family. Nice to see everyone, but we are tired! Back to "real life" again!
This chapter begins with an interesting question (v 3) from John the Baptist- "Are you the One?" In John's Gospel, we hear John the Baptist proclaiming Jesus is the One; here we hear John asking it in question form? Is this for his benefit or for his disciples' benefit? Do we ask that same question or is it a statement that we ask?
Jesus counters with an affirmation that he is the One, but that his acts are more humble and caring than the people may have expected (v 5). We cold interpret John's question as, "Why aren't you doing more?" People were expecting someone to come with fire and fight, no love and peace! The Jews expected deliverance from political oppression, but needed to have faith that Jesus was the Messiah (v 6). What do we expect from Jesus?
Jesus reminds the people that were gathered that John was a hand selected herald of the Messiah and is therefore one of the greatest people that has lived (v 10). Some people put John into a doubting person because of the question he had his disciples ask earlier, but Jesus heightens him to greatness and faithful with Jesus' words (v 11). Many people thought John was the Messiah, but he would correct them- saying someone greater than me is coming! The one "issue" with John (that Jesus brings out, v 11) is that he (John) is still born of the former covenant. He will die before Jesus' new covenant will come to fruition; John will never see the glory of Jesus' resurrection.
Jesus then talks of Moses and Elijah and some of the other prophets; their role was to say The Messiah is coming." Jesus compares that to John who says "The Messiah is here!" (vv 12- 14). What are people proclaiming today? Jesus then goes on too say that even with the proclamations from John and the former prophets- there are still some people that will not believe that Jesus is the Messiah (vv 16- 19). What do people believe today? People were critical of Jesus' ministry; they expected more- not someone who would eat with "them" (the tax collectors and sinners!)
Jesus then confronts the towns that he did his miracles in. Since they had a greater opportunity to see and witness the light, they are more accountable (something we have heard Paul say in his writings). Greater light means greater accountability- where does that put us? Jesus tells of upcoming judgement and wrath for the non-believers (that have seen). These are tough words from Jesus! Words that we often forget He said!
Jesus then turns to God and offers praise and joy (v 25). Jesus thanks God for allowing him to go to the "babes" (v 25), the unexpected people, the people that were lower on the class scale, to reveal Jesus' miracles and teachings. The common thought was that the rich and haughty should have been the ones Jesus went to, but God used the lowly and outcasts for Jesus' mission. What does that say to us?
Jesus then makes some bold statements: He is God's son (v 27)! An astonishing self-claim! The joy is that if we know Jesus, then we also know God! Jesus then invites people (v 28) to join in the kingdom. Jesus loves those words, "Come to me" and we hear variations of that statement throughout the Gospels. Jesus refers to the "yoke"; this is a reference to an expression of obligation to God (rather than a yoke of burden as in carrying water buckets, but it can also reference that too). Jesus is asking to join- and many people did. Jesus goes on to describe his nature- humble, calm, loving (v 29). We can have that life if we accept Jesus' yoke. The yoke is light, the burden is easy (v 30) when we join with Jesus because he is carrying the load. In the context of farming- people would often yoke a young, newly trained animal to an older, experienced animal so that the new one would learn from "the master" how to carry a load. Jesus does that with us; when we are yoked with Him, we learn how to carry those loads and burdens.
This was a tough chapter- some harsh and difficult words from Jesus about God's judgement, followed by some comforting and uplifting words with an invitation to join!
I hope you have a great day! Thanks for all the hard work you are putting in to this study. I know it is tough but I think well worth it!
Shalom+
Pastor Paul
Jesus tells of John the Baptist as being humble but Jesus was even more humble. I think it was so much better that Jesus came as a humble servant to the world rather than in the glorious robe of wealth and a visible king People could relate to Him more as he was in the presence of sinners etc. He did not put Himself over others even though he was the son of God.
ReplyDeleteThe last verses of this chapter remind so much of the "Footprints' as with our burdens that is when Jesus carries us.
Glad you had a great weekend with family, Pastor Paul.
It is good that Jesus was "common" More people probably believed and trusted him rather than of he was royalty!
DeleteLove the Footprints poem!
Thanks Clara!
It's so nice to hear how highly Jesus talks of John the Baptist. He likens John to Elijah, the prophet. I remember reading in the book of Mark that John said "After me will come one more powerful than I, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. I baptize you with water but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit." and now Jesus says "I tell you the truth: Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist." It's too bad that John the Baptist was killed before he could see his prophesy fulfilled.
ReplyDeleteSo many of the verses that we have read have been part of famous musical works. I'm sure we all know that Vs. 28-30 are a familiar part of Handel's Messiah.
Well it's been a long hot busy day but a good one.
I often think about John and Jesus- they were cousins, but did they spend time together? Were there family reunions they attended while they were younger? Did they chat about ministry?
DeleteI have never experienced Handel's MEssiah...I probably should!
Thanks Cathy!
I totally understand why John asked if Jesus was the "one" - John was in prison and sent his disciples to ask the question. Without actually being there and hearing Jesus and seeing him, how would he know? I think that is a good question we should always ask - but maybe in reverse - are you a false prophet? I wish that people did ask the question about Jesus being the Messiah or not - at least they would be asking and thinking! Unfortunately, I think many are just rejecting Jesus/God completely. I do find vs. 27 interesting - I read this both in KJV and NIV and both translations say at the end "and those to whome the Son chooses to reveal him." That sort of means that Jesus will choose who he reveals God to ????? Something that Paul alludes to in a letter. ?????
ReplyDeleteGlad you had a very nice weekend! Welcome back.
We do have some many "false prophets" in our current world- we should be cautious and ask!
DeleteGood point Donna- v 27 is very similar to what Paul says- God/Jesus will be revealed t those that are chosen. A stumbling block for many- including me. I think that Jesus approaches all and our reception of Jesus will determine if we are "chosen" That's a struggle though!
Good points Donna
I agree with the above comments that it is a shame that John the Baptist never saw Jesus's ministry or the Resurrection. It is also apparent the John was not sure that Jesus was the Messiah since he did not woo and/or dress and act like kings and rulers, but ate with the tax collectors, lepers, and the other "dregs" of the population. Jesus's explanation of why he was doing what he did convinced John beyond a shadow of a doubt that Jesus was, indeed, the Messiah. (Verses 7-13). Jesus had nothing but praise for John the Baptist, but he was very hard on non-believers.
ReplyDeleteWe have the good fortune of having of 200 years to think of and interpret Jesus's ministry. I think that it is wonderful that Jesus did what He did, although I am sure that this must have annoyed several people in powerful positions. This is verified by His crucifixion.
Verses 27-30 are very powerful.
Cathy, I do not know much about Handel's Messiah. Handel did another oratorio, "Israel in Egypt", which I had that pleasure of singing with the Binghamton Symphony Chorus a long time ago. I still have the music around somewhere (at least I hope it came west with us). That oratorio was the highlight of my time with the Binghamton Symphony Chorus, followed by Beethoven's Ninth Symphony with the fourth movement being the vocal "Ode to Joy." That concert was David Loebel's last concert in Binghamton. Some wonderful music and it is one of the highlights of my life.
Pastor, I'm so happy that you had a wonderful time in Buffalo with your family. I am assuming that Joseph was also there with you.
John isn't too much different than the populous of the time-- questioning and asking "Are you the one?!" Jesus is tough on non-believers- did he need to be? Did we expect him to be?
ReplyDeleteJesus definitely upset the apple cart! One reason I like him so much!
Wow! I didn't know how musically talented you are Jack!! Great for you!
Great thoughts Jack- thanks for sharing!