Browse Bible Study Resources

What did you go out into the wilderness to see?

Text: Luke 7:18-28
7 May 2006

(I) THE MINISTRY OF JOHN THE BAPTIST

A significant ministry affecting multitudes

“Jerusalem, all Judea, and all the region around the Jordan went out to him and were baptized by him, confessing their sins” Matthew 3:5

(II) THE TASK OF JOHN THE BAPTIST

His main task prophetically declared

“The voice of one crying in the wilderness;
Prepare the way of the Lord
Make His paths straight” Luke 3:4 (Isaiah 40:3-5)

(III) THE ARREST OF JOHN THE BAPTIST

“But Herod the tetrarch, being rebuked by him concerning Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, and for all the evils which Herod had done, also added this, above all, that he had shut John up in prison” Luke 3:19

(IV) A TROUBLED JOHN SENDS DISCIPLES TO JESUS WITH A QUESTION

“John the Baptist has sent us to You, saying,
‘Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?'” Luke 7:20

1. A troubled heart

a) Even a good servant of God is sometimes troubled in heart

b) Even a good servant of God is sometimes in need of encouragement

2. An honest heart

a) The raising of doubts

b) Preparedness to receive whatever answer is given

(V) “WHAT DID YOU GO OUT INTO THE WILDERNESS TO SEE?”

1. Was John merely “a reed shaken by the wind?” Luke 7:24

2. Was John “a man clothed in soft garments?” Luke 7:25 (Luke 3:4)

(VI) IN PRAISE OF JOHN THE BAPTIST

“For I say to you, among those born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist…” Luke 7:28

1. The prophetic words of Zecharias, the father of John

“And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Highest” Luke 1:76

2. These prophetic words fulfilled

John indeed became a prophet

3. Jesus commended him most highly

“No greater prophet…” Luke 7:28

(VII) WHEREIN LIES GREATNESS?

“But he who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he” Luke 7:28

1. The measurement of greatness

2. The potential for greatness

3. The proclamation of greatness

4. The challenge to look for spiritual greatness