Be Blessed Series

Those who are not scandalized (cf. 17:1–2) by preconceived ideas of the messianic task but instead judge by what they see happening will know that Jesus is indeed the Promised One and will as a result be blessed. Those, however, who are offended because of their preconceived notions and by what they do not see happening (such as the judgment of the nations, or the restoration of political independence and greatness for Israel) will miss out on this blessing.

Jesus’ reply to questions posed to Him relies heavily on the Old Testament, with allusions to Isaiah 35:5–7, 26:19, 29:18–19 and 61:1. All the passages occur in contexts where God’s decisive deliverance is awaited. So Jesus answers the question about his person with passages that describe the nature of the times. The question is, “Are you the coming one?” The answer is, “Discern the times by what God does through me.” We are not to be offended by Jesus, not taken aback by the unusual nature of his ministry. It might not be what we expected, but it is what God promised. Do not worry; the time of fulfillment comes with him (Bock, D. L. (1994). Luke (Lk 7:18). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.).

John needed to rise above his personal tragedy, the popular views of the day, his lack of complete revelation, and his wrong expectations. He needed to put his complete faith and trust in the convincing evidence that Jesus was the Messiah. His faithfulness to Christ, even to the point of death showed his commitment.

Although the beatitude is addressed in the original setting to John the Baptist, it is so worded that it also is applicable for Luke’s original readers and present-day hearers/readers as well. As in Jesus’ day, Luke’s time, and today, the final eschatological verdict is dependent upon people’s attitude toward Jesus. In the final judgment they will stand or fall based upon whether they are his followers (cf. 6:47–49; 9:23–26, 48; 12:8–9; 14:26). (Stein, R. H. (1992). Luke (Vol. 24, p. 227). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.)

(Format note: Some base commentary from MacArthur, John F (2011-02-21). Luke 6-10 MacArthur New Testament Commentary (Macarthur New Testament Commentary Series) (pp. 141-150). Moody Publishers. Kindle Edition.)