Luke 7:18-23

content/bible_journal/luke_7:18-23.md

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+title = "Luke 7:18–23"
+date = "2022-11-17"
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+
+### [Read the passage.](https://biblia.com/bible/esv/Lk7.18-23)
+
+John the Baptist (who has been imprisoned by Herod, remember) hears the reports
+of the miracles Jesus has been performing. And then he does something strange,
+because he seemed to know exactly who Jesus was when he baptized Him. He sends
+his disciples to ask Jesus if He really is the promised Messiah.
+
+Some historical context is helpful here. At that time, most of the Jews thought
+the Messiah was going to raise an army to expel the Roman invaders, restore the
+kingdom of Israel, and sit on the throne of his father David to rule like he
+did. Except for defeating the Romans, Jesus is going to rule over the nations
+like that…eventually. This may not have been John's view, though,
+because he had been preaching to encourage the people to repent because
+judgement was coming. Perhaps he thought Jesus had come to bring about the
+judgement of God upon sinful humanity and was wondering when He'd get on with
+it. And Jesus is going to do that…eventually.
+
+Verse 21 tells us that in the same hour that John's disciples asked Jesus their
+question, Jesus healed many people of various afflictions. Jesus says to them
+to tell John what they have seen and heard, because they were certainly witness
+to these things. The words He uses are allusions to passages in Isaiah that
+talk of the restoration of Israel. So Jesus is saying to them "I am the One you
+are waiting for; see the deeds I am here to do."
+
+* * *
+
+We look forward to Your return, King Jesus. Make us ready to receive You.