Tripping On Jesus (Luke 7:17-35) Series

When we see Christians acting like Jesus, eating steaks and drinking alcohol, hanging out with "sinners," what's our response?

When we look back on our lives, I suspect that some of the best memories we have, will be the time spent with outsiders. I get far more joy out of goofing off with outsiders, hanging out with them, than I get from hanging out with any of you. No offense. Those are the moments I feel like I'm working with God, and carrying out God's vision for the world. Those are the moments I feel like I'm most like my Father, loving people, showing them kindness, being a good friend. I don't do enough of this. I feel bad about that.

But I promise you that if I catch you drinking a couple beers while you're playing cards or fishing with an outsider, I will give you a huge smile, and praise God for you. You understand God's plan. You understand his heart for people. You understand that this is the year of the Lord's favor, that this is the time of God's open invitation to all people. And when you lead people to Jesus, God's wisdom, and your wisdom, will be obvious to everyone who rejects God's heart, and God's plan.

Translation:

(17) and this word went out in the whole of Judea concerning him and in all of the neighboring area,

(18) and they reported to John-- his disciples-- about all these things,

and calling to himself two particular disciples of his, John sent [them] to the Lord, saying,

"You-- are you the coming one, or another, should we expect?"

(20) Now, the two men, coming to him [=Jesus], said,

"John the Baptist sent us to you, saying,

"You, are you the coming one, or another, should we expect?"

(21) In that hour he healed many people from their weakness/sickness and torment/suffering and evil spirits, and to many blind people he gifted/graced to see,

(22) and answering, he said to them,

"Going, report to John what you saw

and you heard:

Blind people regain sight.

Lame people walk.

Lepers are cleansed.

Deaf people hear.

Dead people are raised up.

Poor people are being proclaimed the good news,

and blessed is whoever doesn't trip by me.

(24) Now, when the messengers of John were departing, he began to speak to the crowds concerning John.

"What did you depart into the wilderness to see?

A reed by the wind being shaken?

But what did you depart to see?

A man in soft clothing being dressed?

LOOK! The ones in soft clothing in luxury living, in the royal palaces, they are.

(26) But what did you depart to see?

A prophet?

Yes, I say to you, and even more than a prophet.

(27) This one is [the one] about whom it has been written:

LOOK! I am sending my angel before your face/presence,

who will prepare your way before you.

(28) I say to you, greater among the ones born of women than John, no one is.

Now, the most unimportant/smallest in the kingdom of God, greater than him, he is,"

(and all the people, hearing-- even the tax collectors-- vindicated/proved righteous, God,

being baptized by the baptism of John.