Last week we looked at Jesus and the method he used to select his disciples. We noticed that he spent the entire night in prayer and then showed up the next day and named the twelve. We also noticed that in spite of their resumes, he selected some guys who, though lacking many qualifications, had the qualities he was looking for: they were risk takers, they were seekers, and they were witnesses. This week we will look at the big picture of the plan he gave these new employees.
Now that Jesus has "hired" his guys, he has to give them a plan for what they will be doing. Luke seven tells us a lot about Jesus’ master plan. It begins with a story about a Roman centurion. This little story is no big deal to us because we have heard it before, but shows the reader God's plan of salvation is for everyone. Luke then uses story after story in a section of writing we call "the seventh chapter" to reveal who Jesus is and what his plan is. He shows us some great hearts and some great attitudes in the chapter.
In the middle of that chapter, we find John the Baptist, and he is confused. It appears as if he is in doubt, and he seems to be reaching out to Jesus to get some confirmation in the midst of his doubts. I find strange encouragement in this because it tells me it is okay to doubt and to express our doubts. If it is okay for John to wonder out loud about who Jesus is, then it's okay for me to do so as well.
Jesus answers John by telling a strange little story about bratty kids. Today we will compare the hearts and the attitudes of those we see in the other stories in Luke chapter seven with the self righteous bratty kids in verse 32.
Now that Jesus has "hired" his guys, he has to give them a plan for what they will be doing. Luke seven tells us a lot about Jesus’ master plan. It begins with a story about a Roman centurion. This little story is no big deal to us because we have heard it before, but shows the reader God's plan of salvation is for everyone. Luke then uses story after story in a section of writing we call "the seventh chapter" to reveal who Jesus is and what his plan is. He shows us some great hearts and some great attitudes in the chapter.
In the middle of that chapter, we find John the Baptist, and he is confused. It appears as if he is in doubt, and he seems to be reaching out to Jesus to get some confirmation in the midst of his doubts. I find strange encouragement in this because it tells me it is okay to doubt and to express our doubts. If it is okay for John to wonder out loud about who Jesus is, then it's okay for me to do so as well.
Jesus answers John by telling a strange little story about bratty kids. Today we will compare the hearts and the attitudes of those we see in the other stories in Luke chapter seven with the self righteous bratty kids in verse 32.
Mark
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