What Jesus Did! 'None Greater ... except Christians!' — Luke 7:27-28

Sunday, April 30, 2023

[Jesus continued,] "John is the man to whom the Scriptures refer when they say,
'Look, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, and he will prepare your way before you.'

I tell you, of all who have ever lived, none is greater than John. Yet even the least person in the Kingdom of God is greater than he is!"

— Luke 7:27-28 NLT

Key Thought

John was incredible! The voice of God through the prophets had not been heard for hundreds of years in Israel. When John the Baptizer came on the scene, people flocked to hear him. [1] They recognized in the clarity of his words something that could come only from God. [2] He lived his life and used his ministry to serve Jesus and open the hearts of people for the coming of the Christ. John spoke the truth regardless of who listened or who cared. This integrity and godly character were what got John in trouble with Herod [3]. As great as John was, Jesus says that those in God's Kingdom are greater still - not because of what those in the Kingdom have done or will do, but because of the grace of God given through Jesus' atoning sacrifice and because of their adoption into the family of God.

[1] Matthew 3:5.
[2] Matthew 3:6; Mark 1:22; Luke 3:10.
[3] Luke 3:19-20.

Today's Prayer

Father, thank you for the incredible example of John the Baptizer. Use me to be a servant for the message of Jesus. Help me to have the integrity of John as I try to speak your truth. Give me the courage to do your will, even under threat and opposition. Thank you for adopting me as your child and making me a part of your Kingdom. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

4 Related Resources by Heartlight

Rejected God's Plan
Devo: What Jesus Did!
"[Jesus continued,] "I tell you, of all who have ever lived, none is greater than John. Yet even the least person in the Kingdom of God is greater than..."
The One?
Devo: A Year with Jesus
"Dear Disciple, Doubt! Even the best people have periods of doubt. My cousin John the Baptist was in prison awaiting certain death at the hands of..."
Dealing with Stress at Thanksgiving, with Thanksgiving
Article by Muriel Larson
Will you believe that giving thanks is an effective stress reduction strategy even during the stress of Thanksgiving during a pandemic? Muriel Larson, an experienced online coach and counselor, shares this clear strategy to help us deal with the stress and pressure of the holidays found throughout the Scriptures: Give thanks!
Love Is Not a Brick
Article by Rubel Shelly
Who would go first among the religions in showing honor to the other? Rubel Shelly talks about world religions, love, respect, honor, and violence.

Illustration

Illustration of Luke 7:27-28 NLT — 'Look, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, and he will prepare your way before you.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Sunday, April 30, 2023

Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'Seeing the Glorious Son of Man' (Acts 7:54-56)
"The Jewish leaders were infuriated by Stephen's accusation [about their killing the Messiah and disobeying God's law], and they shook their fists at....."
Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Morning Thought: Hebrews 12:24
"Reader, have you come to the blood of sprinkling? The question is not whether you have come to a knowledge of doctrine, or an observance of..."
Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'Why am I Discouraged?' (Ps. 42:5)
"Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again — my Savior and my God!"
A Year with Jesus
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
'Your Advocate Forever'
"Dear Beloved, You saw My apostles fail Me during My arrest, trials, and crucifixion. One betrayed Me, another denied he knew Me, and the rest..."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

More What Jesus Did!