Expository Thoughts On Luke - Luke 7:18-23
J.C. Ryle expounds on John the Baptist's unwavering faith and testimony about Christ even in imprisonment, emphasizing the importance of recognizing Jesus as the promised Messiah.
In this expository sermon on Luke 7:18-23, J.C. Ryle explores John the Baptist's steadfast faith and witness to Christ even while imprisoned. Ryle highlights John's concern for his disciples and his strategic sending of them to Jesus to confirm His identity as the Messiah. This message challenges believers to hold firm in faith and recognize Jesus through His works and words.
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JESUS AND JOHN THE BAPTIST
The message which John the Baptist sent to our Lord, in these verses, is peculiarly instructing, when we consider the circumstances under which it was sent. John the Baptist was now a prisoner in the hands of Herod. "He heard in the prison the works of Christ." (Matt. 11:2.) His life was drawing to a close. His opportunities of active usefulness were ended. A long imprisonment, or a violent death, were the only prospects before him. Yet even in these dark days, we see this holy man maintaining his old ground, as a witness to Christ. He is the same man that he was when he cried, "Behold the Lamb of God." To testify of Christ, was his continual work as a preacher at liberty. TO SEND MEN TO CHRIST, was one of his last works as a prisoner in chains.
We should mark, in these verses, the wise fore-thought which John exhibited about his disciples, before he left the world. He sent some of them to Jesus, with a message of inquiry--"Are you he that should come, or do we look for another?" He doubtless calculated that they would receive such an answer as would make an indelible impression on their minds. And he was right. They got an answer in deeds, as well as words, an answer which probably produced a deeper effect than any arguments which they could have heard from their master\
Sermon Outline
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I
- John the Baptist's imprisonment and circumstances
- His continued faith and testimony despite hardship
- The significance of his message to Jesus
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II
- John's concern for his disciples' faith
- Sending disciples to Jesus with a question
- The nature of the answer given by Christ
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III
- The importance of recognizing Jesus as the Messiah
- The impact of Jesus' works and words on faith
- Lessons on steadfastness in witness
Key Quotes
“To testify of Christ, was his continual work as a preacher at liberty.” — J.C. Ryle
“He sent some of them to Jesus, with a message of inquiry--'Are you he that should come, or do we look for another?'” — J.C. Ryle
“They got an answer in deeds, as well as words, an answer which probably produced a deeper effect than any arguments which they could have heard from their master.” — J.C. Ryle
Application Points
- Remain faithful and continue to witness for Christ even during personal trials.
- Seek reassurance and understanding of Jesus’ identity through Scripture and His works.
- Encourage others in their faith by pointing them to the evidence of Christ’s ministry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did John the Baptist send his disciples to Jesus from prison?
John wanted to confirm to his disciples whether Jesus was truly the promised Messiah, ensuring their faith remained strong even as his own life was ending.
What does John’s question to Jesus signify?
It reflects a moment of seeking reassurance and clarity about Jesus' identity and mission amidst difficult circumstances.
How did Jesus respond to John’s inquiry?
Jesus pointed to His works and miracles as evidence that He was the one who was to come, fulfilling Messianic prophecy.
What can believers learn from John the Baptist’s example?
Believers can learn to maintain faith and continue to witness for Christ even in trials and uncertainty.
How does this passage relate to modern Christian life?
It encourages Christians to trust in Jesus’ identity and mission, and to be steadfast in their testimony regardless of life’s challenges.