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The Gospel of Luke Chapter 7:24-50 Jesus' Commendation of John 7:24-25 When John's messengers had gone, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: "What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? What did you go out to see? A man dressed in fancy clothes? Look, those who wear fancy clothes and live in luxury are in kings' courts! When John's messengers had left Jesus began to question the crowds around Him. What did they go out into the desert to see? Was John inconsistent in his faith and ministry? Did he waver like a reed blown by the wind, or did he stand by God’s Word regardless of the opposition of men? The questions are rhetorical, to highlight what the people had already witnessed John’s steadfastness and faithfulness to his prophetic calling. John was not dressed in a fine suit of clothes, like those who live in luxury, for John lived and ate as one who lived in the wild desert (Matt. 3:4). 7:26-28 What did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written, 'Look, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.' I tell you, among those born of women no one is greater than John. Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he is. The people had not gone out into the desert to see kings, princes or even pop-stars, but something far more powerful and important – a prophet of the Lord. Indeed, Jesus says that John was much more than a prophet, for he had access to a revelation of God’s purposes which was greater than any who had preceded him. He was of such importance that the previous prophets had predicted his coming; for he not only got the nation of Israel ready for the coming Messiah, he had even identified that Messiah to them (Malachi 3:1; John 1:29-31). Notice how Jesus links John’s importance to the level of revelation he had received concerning Jesus –he was the greatest ever born of women, and yet such is the revelation to child of God has, having been born of the Spirit, that his or her relationship with God is greater than that of John. 7:29 Now all the people who heard this, even the tax collectors, acknowledged God's justice, because they had been baptized with John's baptism. When all the people heard this they acknowledged that Jesus words were true, and that God’s ways were right. Even the tax collectors had repented at the preaching of John, and had been baptized; meaning that their hearts were open and tender to God’s instruction. Through the forgiveness of sins they had been reinstated as being among the true people of God.