Stroll through Scripture for February 16, 2025

Based on Luke 7:18–35

Each week I’m struck by how relatable the Gospel is. Of course this is nothing new, or at least it shouldn’t be. Humanity has dealing with the same challenges for what feels like eons. And the Gospel shows us repeatedly that the things humanity focuses are not what God is about. Humans are addicted to worldly success, great wealth, the use of force, and controlling others. Yet Jesus shows that is not his focus. All those things have never been his focus.

Luke 4 shares the account of Jesus in the wilderness and his encounter with the devil. The devil attempts to tempt Jesus with worldly power, controlling others and nature, and more. Jesus rejects all of it. How many human beings have done the opposite and leapt towards the devil’s temptation? We humans are good at rationalizing anything — telling ourselves that with such power and wealth, we would certainly use it for good. Yeah, sure we would. History is full of stories of how that has turned out.

In the reading for Sunday, we hear about John the Baptist sending his disciples to check on Jesus and find out if he is the “One.” John is in prison for telling the Herod Antipas the truth about his marriage to his brother’s wife. Telling the truth gets him in trouble and will ultimately cost him his life. But I doubt John would trade that for living or speaking a lie.

The disciples ask Jesus on John’s behalf. And I think it’s important to note what Jesus says. Jesus’ answer is nothing…