What Have you SEen and Heard (Luke 7:36-50)
Luke 7:18–35
We don’t usually announce our doubts out loud, but John the Baptist does: “Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?” (vv.18–20). John’s honest question gives us permission to bring ours to Jesus, too.
Doubting Good News
John expected a Messiah with the axe, fire, and judgment he had preached (see Luke 3). Jesus arrives healing enemies, welcoming sinners, and preaching mercy. The gap between expectation and reality is where doubt often grows. John isn’t faithless—he’s human. And Jesus doesn’t shame him for asking.
Beholding Good News
Jesus answers without a debate: “Go and tell John what you have seen and heard”—the blind see, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the poor hear good news (vv.21–23). In other words: watch what the kingdom does. The gospel isn’t only information to affirm; it’s power to behold and a Savior to trust.
Receiving Good News
Then Jesus turns to the crowd and honors John—“more than a prophet”—yet says even the least in the kingdom is greater (vv.24–28). Grace redefines greatness. Some receive it and rejoice; others resist it because it doesn’t fit their script (vv.29–35). Wisdom, Jesus says, is proved right by her children—by lives changed, not arguments won.
How This Shapes Us (CITS)
Seek Truth: Bring your real questions to Jesus, not your assumptions to each other. He can carry them.
Show Love: Honor the struggler. Jesus commends John publicly after his private doubt.
Stay Curious: Don’t let old expectations harden your heart. Pay attention to where mercy is mending people—there you’ll find the King.
Reflection
Where are your expectations of Jesus colliding with how he actually works?
What “seen and heard” evidence of grace have you noticed lately?
Who around you needs honor and patience while they wrestle?
A Simple Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank you for meeting doubt with mercy. Help us behold your healing work, receive your good news, and become people who seek truth, show love, and stay curious. Amen.
