Parables in Luke- part 1

             January 6, 2008

Intro: ch.7:21-35- as a prophet, Jesus extends words of

both conviction and comfort to Israel.

I.Observations about the text:

1. The parable was to point out the failure

of that generation to respond to God’s messengers.

2.The messengers expressed 2 different approaches:

   John Baptist – austere and separate

  Jesus- engaging and non-separatist

3. Regardless of response, God was vindicated- vs.35

II. Lessons to learn from the text: Psa.119:124

1. Apathy or spiritual indifference is expressive of the

rejection of divine authority- contrast vs.16 & 29 with vs. 30

How does apathy grow?   >Overstimulation by less-valued

activity.    

>Diminished alertness to being watchful.

>Failure to see the gravity of sins of omission.

2. Such indifference may be linked to a cluster of damaging

thinking-   HOSTILITY

                ANGER

                  REJECTION

                   DISINTEREST

3. Just such sinful thinking may infect an entire generation.

See 7:31, 9:41, 11:29-32, 50, 17:25