Good morning dear friends, I hope today brings you new and joy filled experiences. Today's reading covers the topic of rejection on several fronts including John the Baptist, Jesus' generation and of others. Here are a few notes:
JM notes that the reason John had asked if Jesus was the Expected One was not because his faith had waivered but John was simply confused. He had preached that Jesus would burn the chaff with unquenchable fire (3:12). JM also notes, however, that when Jesus preformed miracles for John's disciples and told them to go back and tell John what they had seen, he gave them nothing further to tell John; this coupled with v. 11 proves Christ considered John's faith to be very strong.
VV 16-19 are a strong rebuke of the religious groups of Christ's day. When cross referenced with notes on Luke 7:32 and 7:34 it clearly shows that no matter what the Pharisees were determined to be angry, unhappy and judgmental.
VV 22, 24 seem to indicate that there will be degrees of punishment in Hell.
