Jesus finished the story about John’s questions by giving wisdom’s results. Luke 7:35 But wisdom is shown to be right by the lives of those who follow it. [1] God created wisdom, and Jesus demonstrated it in His teachings and deeds. The miracles confirmed Jesus’ authority to teach and His Messianic identity. People who incorporated the wisdom of Jesus into their lives had transformed lives. These transformed people lived Godly lives.
Rejection Doesn’t Change Truth
Jesus affirmed the ministry of John to the crowd after answering John’s question. The response to this depended on how people had responded to the wisdom John taught. Luke 7:29 When they heard this, all the people—even the tax collectors—agreed that God’s way was right, for they had been baptized by John. 30 But the Pharisees and experts in religious law rejected God’s plan for them, for they had refused John’s baptism. [2]
Jewish leadership rejected John and then Jesus because neither was what they expected. They were not interested in how God worked because they wanted to control God through their laws. Their rejection was not wise and did not change the truth of Jesus bringing the kingdom of God to the people.
People still judge Jesus and His followers by their expectations instead of seeking what God may be doing. God comes on His terms, not ours. We must avoid offense if God uses a surprising person or has plans we don’t expect. We can pray for discernment and increased faith even if we have doubts.
It is Wise to Follow God’s Plan
Following a Messiah we never could imagine is demanding but the only way into God’s Kingdom. Those who respond to Jesus and His ways are highly privileged. They become kids of the King. Galatians 3: 26 For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus.[3]
As we believe in Jesus, we receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit enables believers to see the ways of Jesus and walk in them. Galatians 5: 16 So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. 17 The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions.[4]
The wisdom of Jesus is the path of blessing as we share in God’s presence in the form of the Holy Spirit and are enabled to live transformed lives. To learn about wisdom’s results, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/johns-question-for-jesus
[1-4] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.