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."


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.
  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?

Consider Gamaliel’s wisdom to the Sanhedrin (Acts 5:38)

Chris Benjamin

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


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