Luke 7

Now when he had ended all his sayings in the audience of the people, he entered into Capernaum.

And a certain centurion's servant, who was dear unto him, was sick, and ready to die.

And when he heard of Jesus, he sent unto him the elders of the Jews, beseeching him that he would come and heal his servant.

And when they came to Jesus, they besought him instantly, saying, That he was worthy for whom he should do this:

For he loveth our nation, and he hath built us a synagogue.

Then Jesus went with them. And when he was now not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to him, saying unto him, Lord, trouble not thyself: for I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter under my roof:

Wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee: but say in a word, and my servant shall be healed.

For I also am a man set under authority, having under me soldiers, and I say unto one, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.

When Jesus heard these things, he marvelled at him, and turned him about, and said unto the people that followed him, I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.

And they that were sent, returning to the house, found the servant whole that had been sick.

And it came to pass the day after, that he went into a city called Nain; and many of his disciples went with him, and much people.

Now when he came nigh to the gate of the city, behold, there was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow: and much people of the city was with her.

And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not.

And he came and touched the bier: and they that bare him stood still. And he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise.

And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he delivered him to his mother.

And there came a fear on all: and they glorified God, saying, That a great prophet is risen up among us; and, That God hath visited his people.

And this rumour of him went forth throughout all Judaea, and throughout all the region round about.

And the disciples of John shewed him of all these things.

And John calling unto him two of his disciples sent them to Jesus, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another?

When the men were come unto him, they said, John Baptist hath sent us unto thee, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another?

And in that same hour he cured many of their infirmities and plagues, and of evil spirits; and unto many that were blind he gave sight.

Then Jesus answering said unto them, Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached.

And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.

And when the messengers of John were departed, he began to speak unto the people concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness for to see? A reed shaken with the wind?

But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? Behold, they which are gorgeously apparelled, and live delicately, are in kings' courts.

But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? Yea, I say unto you, and much more than a prophet.

This is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.

For I say unto you, Among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist: but he that is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.

And all the people that heard him, and the publicans, justified God, being baptized with the baptism of John.

But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him.

And the Lord said, Whereunto then shall I liken the men of this generation? and to what are they like?

They are like unto children sitting in the marketplace, and calling one to another, and saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned to you, and ye have not wept.

For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine; and ye say, He hath a devil.

The Son of man is come eating and drinking; and ye say, Behold a gluttonous man, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners!

But wisdom is justified of all her children.

And one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. And he went into the Pharisee's house, and sat down to meat.

And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster box of ointment,

And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment.

Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner.

And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on.

There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty.

And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most?

Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged.

And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head.

Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet.

My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment.

Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little.

And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven.

And they that sat at meat with him began to say within themselves, Who is this that forgiveth sins also?

And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.

What does Luke 7:24 mean?

Explanation

Luke 7:24 refers to the incident where Jesus addresses the crowd about John the Baptist after the departure of John's disciples.

The question posed by Jesus, "What went ye out into the wilderness for to see? A reed shaken with the wind?" serves as a rhetorical device intended to provoke reflection on the character and message of John.

Literally, Jesus is asking the crowd what they expected to find when they went to see John, did they expect to find something as insubstantial and wavering as a reed blowing in the wind? The deeper meaning points to the strength and steadfastness of John's character.

Unlike a reed that bends easily, John the Baptist stood firm in his convictions and his role as the forerunner of Christ.

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Historical Context

The verse occurs within the context of John the Baptist's ministry.

John, who had been imprisoned by Herod Antipas for his open criticism of Herod's marriage to Herodias (which violated Jewish law), sent messengers to Jesus to inquire if He was indeed the promised Messiah.

After Jesus responds to John's disciples with evidence of His messianic deeds, He turns to the crowd to address their curiosity about John.

During this time, many would venture out into the wilderness to hear John preach.

Jesus' address is intended to remind people of John's important role in the prophetic tradition and to reaffirm his significance despite his imprisonment.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse emphasizes the moral strength and prophetic authority of John the Baptist.

From a Christian perspective, John is seen as the last and greatest prophet before the coming of Jesus, fulfilling the Old Testament prophecies of a forerunner who would prepare the way for the Messiah.

Jesus’ rhetorical question serves to challenge and correct any misconceptions about John's ministry.

He affirms that John was not swayed by public opinion or external pressures, but was a firm proclaimer of God's truth.

Practical Applications

From a practical standpoint, this verse can inspire individuals to exhibit firmness in their convictions and purpose.

It encourages believers not to be like a reed shaken by the wind, easily swayed by the currents of popular opinion or adversity, but to stand strong in their faith and the truth they believe in.

It also challenges people to recognize and respect those who remain unwavering in their principles, even at great personal cost.

Cross-References

Matthew 11:7-9: "And as they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind?"
James 1:6: "But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering.

For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed."

Ephesians 4:14: "That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;"

Language Study

The key phrase within the verse is "a reed shaken with the wind" (Greek: καλαμον ὑπὸ ἀνέμου σαλευόμενον).

"Reed" (καλαμον) could refer to plant stalks commonly found in wet areas, here symbolizing something easily swayed.

"Shaken" (σαλευόμενον) can mean to be agitated or moved back and forth, indicating instability or a lack of firmness.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In many ancient cultures, including Greco-Roman and Near Eastern societies, reeds were symbolic of weakness and instability, often contrasted with solid and immovable objects.

In contrast, many religious leaders, like John the Baptist in Christian tradition, are portrayed as unwavering figures standing against the prevailing currents of their times, bearing similarity to steadfast figures found across various religious traditions, such as the prophets of Judaism or the wise sages in Hinduism.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific viewpoint, a reed's flexibility enables it to survive strong winds without being uprooted, thus, it serves as a metaphor here for adaptability rather than strength.

However, Jesus' use of this imagery suggests a contrasting value in human character, the importance of being firm and unyielding in one's convictions, which is a psychological and philosophical consideration rather than a biological one.

Commentaries

Contemporary biblical scholars and theologians interpret this verse as an acknowledgment of John the Baptist's strong character and important role in the advent of the Christian era.

Craig S.

Keener in "The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament" notes that flattery and fickleness were despised in antiquity, and Jesus' depiction of John as the opposite of a reed shaken by the wind was a commendation of his prophetic integrity.

John Nolland, in "Word Biblical Commentary Vol. 35a, Luke 1:1–9:20," reflects on the contrasts Jesus draws between the public’s expectations and John’s true nature and mission.

Luke 7

Luke 7

What does Luke 7:24 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Luke Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Luke 7:24 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Luke Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?