THIS FICKLE GENERATION
Matthew 11 and Luke 7

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Matthew 11 version ...

1. John’s disciples ask Jesus a question
2. Jesus addresses the crowd about John – he praises John and testifies that God was working through John
   1. He is Elijah who precedes the coming of the kingdom
   2. The kingdom has been breaking in
   3. The least in the kingdom is greater than John
3. This generation
   1. Children in the marketplace
   2. Their expectations are never met
   3. They do not accept the agents of God in any form
4. Jesus’ summary statement about wisdom - But wisdom is shown to be right by its results.”

The Message: “Opinion polls don't count for much, do they? The proof of the pudding is in the eating."

• Matthew 11 continues with a judgment on unrepentant cities. They rejected the miracles.

• Jesus then gives thanks to God for revealing the secrets of the kingdom to “little children” and not the wise of this age.

• Concludes with his invitation to an easy yoke.

Luke 7 version ...

1. John’s disciples ask Jesus a question
2. Jesus addresses the crowd about John – he praises John and testifies that God was working through John
   1. John is the messenger Malachi spoke of, saying ...
3. Reaction of the hearers is divided: ²⁹When they heard this, all the people—even the tax collectors—agreed that God’s way was right, for they had been baptized by John. ³⁰But the Pharisees and experts in religious law rejected God’s plan for them, for they had refused John’s baptism.
   • This makes the following comment a remark about the stubbornness of those who reject God’s work . . .
4. This generation –
5. But wisdom is shown to be right by the lives of those who follow it.
   1. Only difference from Matthew is people vs. results – meaning is the same.

What is our generation like?
What are our expectations?
Can we recognize the wisdom of God in whatever form it takes?

Compare preachers – the style isn’t what counts. What counts is the wisdom and godliness of the message.
Compare worship – the style and form may change, but if wisdom is a part of it, then accept it as the work of God

Some in our generation work very hard at being displeased and discontent. Difficult situations can be resolved, difficult people can never be satisfied.

Chris Benjamin

West-Ark Church of Christ, Fort Smith, AR
Evening Sermon, 8 August 2010

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