Luke 7:19-22 And John calling to him two of his disciples sent them to Jesus, saying, Are you he that should come? or look we for another?… I. THE MESSAGE. What did it mean? 1. To convince his disciples? Not suited to do it; suggesting doubtfulness in their master; impairing previous witness. 2. To reassure himself? At variance with (1) his character, testimony, Divine assurance. (2) Words of the Lord (ver. 24), aimed to prevent the supposition. (3) The occasion. "When he had heard the works of Christ" — the last work being the raising of the dead. 3. Message not of uncertainty, but of impatience. Things do not go as the Baptist expected. The world left in doubt. Opinion taking wrong turn for want of distinct assertion. Works of Christ, but no proclamation of Christ. It ought to be made. The time is come. He the proper person to obtain it. He will demand it in the interests of all. II. THE REPLY. 1. Answer. (1) To what was said. The facts are sufficient answer. (2) To what was meant. The method will not be changed. The Lord must choose His own course. Men must see and judge. Facts first, then assertions. 2. Warning. There is danger in this disposition — danger of questioning God's methods; restlessness, dissatisfaction, diminution of attachment, failure of faith. (Canon T. D. Bernard.) Parallel Verses KJV: And John calling unto him two of his disciples sent them to Jesus, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another? |
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