Beware of the Grumbles

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March 30, 2008 - Luke 7:31-34

Open It

1. In your opinion, what causes most people to express opinions?

Explore It

2. To what did Jesus compare the people of His day? (7:31-32)

3. How did people characterize John the Baptist? (7:33)

4. How did the description of John the Baptist compare with their characterization of Jesus? (7:34)

5. What did Jesus conclude about the people of His day? (7:35)

Get It

6. Why do the appearances of God's servants affect how they are received?

7. How can a person be more aware of the message than of the messenger?

8. What is your response to Jesus' claim that the least in God's kingdom is greater than John the Baptist?

9. How can a person cultivate the wisdom and expectant response described by Jesus?

Apply It

10. What can you do this week to be on guard against faltering faith?

11. Of what messengers of Jesus do you need to be more wary today?

12.What opportunities might you have in the next few days to express your beliefs, as well as your doubts?

Notes

Luke 7:31-35: The religious leaders hated anyone who spoke the truth and exposed their own hypocrisy, and they did not bother to be consistent in their faultfinding. They criticized John the Baptist because he fasted and drank no wine; they criticized Jesus because he ate heartily and drank wine with tax collectors and "sinners." Their real objection to both men, of course, had nothing to do with dietary habits. What the Pharisees and experts in the law couldn't stand was being exposed for their hypocrisy.

7:33-34 The Pharisees weren't troubled by their inconsistency toward John the Baptist and Jesus. They were good at justifying their "wisdom." Most of us can find compelling reasons to do or believe whatever suits our purposes. If we do not examine our ideas in the light of God's truth, however, we may be just as obviously self-serving as the Pharisees.

(Back to Study Home Page) (Sermon March 30, 2008)
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