PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Luke 11:29-32
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“Something greater than Jonah is here.” (Luke 11:32)
Solomon’s wisdom had nothing on Jesus; neither did Jonah’s preaching.
Even people who believed in other gods and religions paid attention.
Yet when Jesus speaks with power and authority, many people remain closed.
I believe in Jesus because I find his message compelling.
It is not the miracles that convince me, it is the message.
What Jesus says about justice and mercy, love and immorality…
What he says about sin and forgiveness, radical kindness and servanthood…
These to me are wiser and more compelling than any other teacher in history.
His crucifixion makes sense to me; people have always killed those who were different.
His resurrection makes sense because his was the kind of life worth bringing back!
A life lived like Jesus did deserves to be restored, it matched his words 100%.
Anyone living and teaching like Jesus is either a fool, or the greatest teacher ever.
In Jesus I see and hear someone much greater than Solomon or Jonah, I can believe him!
People may ask me for proof, and I will say ‘pay attention to his message!’
PRAYER
Lord, your wisdom and preaching convicts, comforts and compels me. Help me by your Spirit to not just admire it, and not just talk abut it… help me to live it with, like and for you!
Doubt – Just thinking how the people listening to Jesus and witnessing his miraculous healings and feeding of 1000s – were still asking for a sign? They had doubt. What about me? Yet I experience God’s grace in my life and I too can open my eyes and see. Do I need something more? Where is my faith? That is what it takes. Yet all I really need to do is look back. I may have moments – but looking back I see how my Lord has been faithful for me. If he is in the past, faithful today – then I must trust He will be faithful in the future. I need to read the ‘signs’ – they don’t need to be miraculous.
The people listened to Jonah. The queen came to hear the words of wisdom. However the people today are not listening to the voice of the Lord God. He is greater than Jonah or Solomon. Jesus gives the words of life. Do this and live He tells us even today. Hear His words and do His words. May others see Jesus living in me as I live for Him.
Living for Jesus a life that is true,
Striving to please Him in all that I do;
Yielding allegiance, glad-hearted and free,
This is the pathway of blessing for me.
O Jesus, Lord and Savior,
I give myself to Thee,
For Thou, in Thy [redemption],*
Didst give Thyself for me;
I own no other Master,
My heart shall be Thy throne,
My life I give, henceforth to live,
O Christ, for Thee alone.
2
Living for Jesus who died in my place,
Bearing on Calv’ry my sin and disgrace;
Such love constrains me to answer His call,
Follow His leading and give Him my all.