WHAT DID YOU GO OUT TO SEE?

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"When John's messengers had left, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: 'What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? Or what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? Those who wear fine clothes and live in luxury are in kings' palaces. But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written: “I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.”’ I tell you, among those born of women there is no one greater than John the Baptist; yet the one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.”

Luke 7:24-28

Jesus' repeated question, "What did you go out to see?", not only challenges the crowd's expectations of John the Baptist, but also compels us to reflect on our own motivations in seeking God. The broader context of Luke chapter 7 reveals Jesus' power, compassion, and authority, enriching our understanding of how God works through His messenger and in His Son.

Today, this question remains relevant: What do we go out to see when we seek God or when we come to church?

The question Jesus repeatedly poses, “What did you go out to see?” is neither casual nor rhetorical. It invites us to reflect on our expectations, intentions, and perceptions when we seek something from God or those He has sent. In this passage, Jesus confronts the crowd regarding their understanding of John the Baptist and, by extension, the works of God. Were they seeking entertainment, confirmation of their own ideas, or were they truly open to seeing and accepting divine truth?

Are we seeking fleeting emotions? Often, people seek spiritual experiences that only offer temporary comfort without real transformation.

Do we seek leaders who confirm our comfort zone? It's common to prefer messages that don't challenge our lifestyle or priorities.

Or are we seeking God's truth? Genuine seeking involves being open to God confronting and transforming our lives.

Answering the question: What did you go out to see?

The answer will depend on our spiritual attitude. If we go out looking for something superficial, we will only find disappointment. But if we seek God with humility and a willing heart, we will find the truth that can transform our lives. Jesus invites us to look beyond the visible and recognize His work in unexpected ways, as John the Baptist did.

This teaching compels us to examine whether our expectations are aligned with God's truth or distorted by selfish desires and prejudices.

Biblical context: Jesus reveals His authority

Before the words about John the Baptist, Luke chapter 7 presents us with two significant events:

The centurion's servant (Luke 7:1-10):

In this story, a centurion, a symbol of earthly authority and power, shows extraordinary faith in Jesus, acknowledging His divine authority. Jesus declares:

"I have not found such great faith even in Israel."

Luke 7:9.

This contrast with the expectations of the Jews invites us to ask ourselves whether our faith is humble and genuine, or whether it is based on visible merits.

The resurrection of the widow's son (Luke 7:11-15):

This miracle demonstrates Jesus' compassion and power over life and death, causing the crowds to proclaim:

"A great prophet has arisen among us; and God has visited his people."

Luke 7:16.

However, did they fully recognize Jesus as the Son of God or just as another prophet?

The testimony of Jesus and the doubt of John

The crowd's reaction to Jesus and John reflects how human expectations can be wrong. John's disciples ask:

"Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?"

Luke 7:20.

Jesus responds by showing the fruits of His ministry:

"The blind receive their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor."

Luke 7:22.

Here, Jesus connects His mission with the prophecies of Isaiah, but He also confronts the crowd: it is not about seeing miracles or signs, but about recognizing the true Messiah.

What did you go out to see? The purity of faith

Jesus uses the figure of John to examine the human heart:

“A reed shaken by the wind?” Luke 7:24 : This symbolizes something weak or easily influenced. John was not like that; his message was firm and did not waver with the opinions of men.

“To a man clothed in fine garments?” Luke 7:25 : Here Jesus points out that John did not fit with earthly ideas of greatness.

This call to a sincere, God-centered faith resonates with Paul's exhortations in

Ephesians 4:22-24:

"Put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; be renewed in the spirit of your minds; and put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness."

What did Jesus mean?

Jesus used these questions to lead people to an introspective examination: What were they really looking for in John? Beyond their human expectations, John was a divine instrument pointing to Christ, the true Savior. But many were unable to see beyond the superficial or their own prejudices. Jesus also points out that, although John was great among the prophets, the arrival of the Kingdom of God brought a new dimension where even the humblest in this Kingdom would have access to a direct relationship with God.

Our search for God should transform us, leaving behind selfish expectations and adopting a renewed heart.

The danger of seeking what we want to hear

The apostle Paul warns:

"For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths."

2 Timothy 4:3-4.

Often, we seek what we want to hear instead of what we need. This reflects Jesus' rebuke in John 8:43-44 :

"Why do you not understand my language? Because you cannot hear my word. You are of your father the devil."

The crowd was looking for signs and an earthly leader who would meet their expectations, but they were unwilling to accept God's life-changing truth.

How do we answer this question today?

A faith that seeks transformation, not comfort:

Paul exhorts in Romans 6:1-2 :

"What shall we say then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?"

Our search should lead us to real change, turning away from sin and embracing life in Christ.

Recognizing God's sovereignty:

Luke 7:21 shows how Jesus responds with actions, not just words. Are we willing to see His work, even if it doesn't align with our expectations?

What did you go out to see?

The central question is a spiritual challenge. If we go out looking for something superficial or that confirms our own ideas, we will miss God's truth. But if we seek with humility and faith, we will find Christ, who not only satisfies our needs but transforms our lives.

What we see depends on how we look. Are we willing to let go of our expectations and allow God to show us His truth? Let us reflect on this question and approach God with a sincere and receptive heart.

"But without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him."

Hebrews 11:6.

God bless you!!