Note: (CL) = Controling Lesson (OT) = Old Testament (OTA) = Old Testament Alternative (NT) = New Testament (NTA) = New Testament Alternative (G) = Gospel (GA) = Gospel Alternative (Ps) = Psalm; one of these will follow all lessons for the week.

Note: Please be sure to look at previous posts because some of the week may have already been posted.


Monday, June 30, 2014

Fourth Sunday after Pentecost (GA)

Luke 7:18-28
18 The disciples of John reported all these things to him. And John, 19 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?” 20 And when the men had come to him, 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?’ ” 21 In that hour he healed many people of diseases and plagues and evil spirits, and on many who were blind he bestowed sight. 22 And he answered them, “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. 23 And blessed is the one who is not offended by me.”
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.”

Who is John the Baptist? Most of us remember him as the guy who wore camel's hair and a leather belt. You may know him as the one who ate grasshoppers or locusts. Or you may only think of him as the guy who baptized Jesus. It does not matter which Gospel you read, John the Baptist comes and prepares the way for Jesus. He calls the people to repentance and begins to baptize them. He even says he only came to baptize with water, but the one after him will baptize with the Holy Spirit.

John the Baptist even points Jesus out a couple different times. He sees Jesus and says, "Look the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the World." Some of Jesus' first disciples where first disciples of John the Baptist. But who is this guy?

John the Baptist asks his disciples who Jesus really is, and Jesus asks the people who John really is. Some people might say that John is doubting Jesus, but I like to think he is continuing to teach his own disciples. John the Baptist is a true prophet. He came to point people to Jesus Christ. This is what he will continue to do until he loses his head. Jesus pulls there attention from one whom they desired to follow (running out in the wilderness after) to himself (one to whom they should listen) who will die for their sins.

Jesus and John make a real pair. They work together to fulfill all righteousness, and work together to try to save as many as possible. Jesus gives his life to save you.


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