Luke 7:18-35 Study Questions

Why couldn’t John come to Jesus himself to ask his questions? (see Luke 3:19-20 & Mt. 11:2 for help)
In what ways did Jesus respond to the questions posed by John’s disciples?
Read Isaiah 61:1. John knew Isaiah’s prophecy about the Messiah. Based on this prophecy, what might John expect Jesus to do about his prison situation?
Read Isaiah 29:18-19 & 35:5-6. How did Jesus referring to this scripture speak to John’s question and expectation?
It is easy for doubt to creep in when there has been a long period of trials and/or unmet expectations. What is the difference between doubt and unbelief?
For what reasons, then and now, do people find Jesus offensive?

Application Questions:

In what ways am I tempted to focus on what God is NOT doing in my life rather than what He HAS done?
Where does doubt tend to creep into my life, and what can I learn from Jesus’s response to John that can help me be successful in battling doubts when they arise?

What did Jesus tell the people about John’s identity and purpose?
Find a bible that provides scriptural cross references. Which old testament scripture did Jesus quote when he said “I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.”
Although John had a special role in the kingdom of God on earth, how is being the least in the kingdom even greater than being the messenger for Jesus? (Refer to John 1:12-13, 13:16 & 15:15 and Romans 8:14-17)
Who found God just by what Jesus said, and who rejected it and why?
How were those that rejected Jesus and John like the children in the marketplace, and what was the motivation for their accusations?
How is wisdom (in reference to the wisdom of God) proved right by the children of God?

Application Questions:

How has being adopted into God’s family through Jesus impacted the direction of my life and my life choices?
Where am I tempted to try to justify myself when confronted with my sin rather than turning to Jesus?
What evidence in my life proves that obeying God’s commands and putting my trust in Jesus is the right thing to do?