“They rejected God’s purpose”

Read Luke 7:29-35

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John’s forthright message had drawn a mixed response. Many people had seen their need and been baptised as a sign of their repentance (Lk.3:3). In contrast, religious teachers either refused to listen to him or had been baptised just for show without any “fruit of true repentance” (30; Mt.3:7-8).

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Those teachers who were unhappy with John’s austerity were no more pleased by Jesus's cheerfulness (31-32). John had challenged their comfort so they demonised him (33). Unlike John with his frugal diet and desert location, Jesus loved company of all kinds, eating and drinking with people in order to reach them with the good news. His claims and teaching were no less challenging so he too was dismissed, but with a different excuse – Jesus wasn’t properly religious! (34; 5:29-30; 15:1-2).

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There was no pleasing them either way. But those with wisdom saw God’s truth in both John and in Jesus (35). Both of them had proclaimed the coming of God’s kingdom and the need for repentance in order to enter it (Mt.3:2; 4:17). Sinners sought out John, whereas Jesus sought out sinners (Lk.19:10). Either way, a repentant sinner is wiser than a self-righteous Pharisee (Lk.18:9-14).