Luke 7:27
This is the one about whom it is written: 'Behold, I will send My messenger ahead of You, who will prepare Your way before You.'
This is the one about whom it is written
This phrase introduces a prophetic fulfillment, indicating that the events or person being discussed were foretold in Scripture. The phrase "it is written" is a common biblical expression used to reference the authority and reliability of the Scriptures. In this context, it underscores the divine orchestration of events and the fulfillment of God's promises. The use of "written" (Greek: γέγραπται, gegraptai) emphasizes the permanence and unchangeable nature of God's word.

‘Behold
The word "Behold" (Greek: ἰδού, idou) is an imperative that calls for attention. It is often used in Scripture to draw the reader or listener's focus to something significant or to introduce a divine revelation. This word serves as a divine spotlight, highlighting the importance of the message that follows.

I will send My messenger ahead of You
This phrase is a direct reference to Malachi 3:1, where God promises to send a messenger to prepare the way. The "messenger" (Greek: ἄγγελος, angelos) is understood to be John the Baptist, who plays a pivotal role in preparing the people for the coming of Jesus. The phrase "ahead of You" indicates the preparatory work that John would do before the arrival of Jesus, emphasizing the divine plan and order in the unfolding of salvation history.

who will prepare Your way before You
The role of the messenger is to "prepare" (Greek: κατασκευάσει, kataskeuasei) the way, which involves making ready or setting things in order. This preparation is both spiritual and moral, calling people to repentance and readiness for the coming of the Lord. The "way" (Greek: ὁδόν, hodon) is a metaphor for the path or journey, often used in Scripture to describe the course of life or the direction of one's spiritual journey. The phrase "before You" reiterates the role of John the Baptist as the forerunner to Christ, emphasizing the divine mission and the fulfillment of prophecy.

Persons / Places / Events
1. John the Baptist
The messenger referred to in this verse, John the Baptist, was a pivotal figure in preparing the way for Jesus Christ. His ministry was characterized by a call to repentance and baptism, setting the stage for Jesus' public ministry.

2. Jesus Christ
The "You" in the verse refers to Jesus, the Messiah, for whom John the Baptist was preparing the way. Jesus' ministry was the fulfillment of the prophecies and the culmination of God's redemptive plan.

3. Prophecy
The verse quotes a prophecy from the Old Testament, specifically from Malachi 3:1, which foretold the coming of a messenger who would prepare the way for the Lord.

4. The Wilderness
John the Baptist's ministry took place in the wilderness, symbolizing a place of preparation and purification, where people came to hear his message and be baptized.

5. The People of Israel
The primary audience of John the Baptist's message, who were called to repentance in anticipation of the coming Messiah.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Preparation
Just as John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus, we are called to prepare our hearts for Christ's work in our lives. This involves repentance and a willingness to follow His leading.

The Fulfillment of Prophecy
The fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies in the New Testament underscores the reliability and sovereignty of God's Word. We can trust in His promises and His timing.

The Role of a Messenger
Like John the Baptist, we are called to be messengers of the Gospel, preparing the way for others to encounter Christ through our words and actions.

Repentance as a Lifestyle
John's message of repentance is not just a one-time event but a continual turning towards God. We should regularly examine our lives and align them with God's will.

Recognizing Jesus as the Messiah
Understanding the role of John the Baptist helps us recognize Jesus as the promised Messiah, deepening our faith and commitment to Him.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding John the Baptist's role as a messenger enhance your view of Jesus' ministry?

2. In what ways can you prepare your heart and life for Christ's work today, similar to how John prepared the way for Jesus?

3. How does the fulfillment of prophecy in the New Testament strengthen your faith in the reliability of Scripture?

4. What are some practical ways you can act as a "messenger" for Christ in your community?

5. Reflect on a time when repentance led to a significant change in your life. How can you make repentance a regular part of your spiritual journey?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Malachi 3:1
This Old Testament prophecy directly correlates with Luke 7:27, highlighting the continuity of God's plan from the Old Testament to the New Testament.

Isaiah 40:3
Another prophecy that speaks of a voice calling in the wilderness to prepare the way for the Lord, further emphasizing John the Baptist's role.

Matthew 3:1-3
Describes John the Baptist's ministry and his message of repentance, directly linking to his role as the preparer of the way for Jesus.

Mark 1:2-3
Similar to Luke 7:27, this passage also references the prophecy from Malachi and Isaiah, reinforcing the fulfillment of these prophecies in John the Baptist's ministry.
John First, Then JesusC. S. Robinson, D. D.Luke 7:27
The Deputation from JohnR.M. Edgar Luke 7:18-35
A Reed Shaken by the WindC. S. Robinson, D. D.Luke 7:24-27
Good and Bad Ends in Attending MinistrationsG. Brooks.Luke 7:24-27
Sight-SeersS. Cox, D. D.Luke 7:24-27
The Christian MinistryF. W. Robertson, M. A.Luke 7:24-27
The Unshaken ProphetStopford A. Brooke, M. A.Luke 7:24-27
Three QuestionsS. Cox, D. D.Luke 7:24-27
Christ's Estimate of John; Character and PrivilegeW. Clarkson Luke 7:24-28
People
Jesus, John, Simon
Places
Capernaum, Galilee, Judea, Nain
Topics
Ahead, Behold, Face, John, Messenger, Prepare, Ready, Sending, Servant, Written
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Luke 7:27

     1611   Scripture, inspiration and authority
     2333   Christ, attitude to OT
     5335   herald
     5408   messenger
     7740   missionaries, call

Library
June 10 Evening
As Christ forgave you, so also do ye.--COL. 3:13. 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.--I forgave thee all that debt; shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellow-servant, even as I had pity on thee? When ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. But if ye do not forgive,
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

Greatness in the Kingdom
'He that is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.'--LUKE vii. 28. We were speaking in a preceding sermon about the elements of true greatness, as represented in the life and character of John the Baptist. As we remarked then, our Lord poured unstinted eulogium upon the head of John, in the audience of the people, at the very moment when he showed himself weakest. 'None born of women' was, in Christ's eyes, 'greater than John the Baptist.' The eulogium, authoritative as it was, was immediately
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture

Thwarting God's Purpose
'The Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of Him.' --LUKE vii. 30. Our Lord has just been pouring unstinted praise on the head of John the Baptist. The eulogium was tenderly timed, for it followed, and was occasioned by the expression, through messengers, of John's doubts of Christ's Messiahship. Lest these should shake the people's confidence in the Forerunner, and make them think of him as weak and shifting, Christ speaks of him in the glowing
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture

A Gluttonous Man and a Winebibber
'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!'--LUKE vii. 34. Jesus Christ very seldom took any notice of the mists of calumny that drifted round Him. 'When He was reviled He reviled not again.' If ever He did allude to them it was for the sake of the people who were harming themselves by uttering them. So here, without the slightest trace of irritation, He quotes a malignant charge which was evidently in the
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture

Worthy-Not Worthy
'... They besought Him ... saying, That he was worthy for whom He should do this:... 6. I am not worthy that Thou shouldest enter under my roof: 7. Wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come unto Thee....' --LUKE vii. 4. 6. 7. A Roman centurion, who could induce the elders of a Jewish village to approach Jesus on his behalf, must have been a remarkable person. The garrison which held down a turbulent people was not usually likely to be much loved by them. But this man, about whom the incident
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture

Go into Peace
'And He said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee: go in peace.'--LUKE vii. 50. We find that our Lord twice, and twice only, employs this form of sending away those who had received benefits from His hand. On both occasions the words were addressed to women: once to this woman, who was a sinner, and who was gibbeted by the contempt of the Pharisee in whose house the Lord was; and once to that poor sufferer who stretched out a wasted hand to lay upon the hem of His garment, in the hope of getting
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture

Jesus at the Bier
'And when the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not. 14. And He came and touched the bier: and they that bare him stood still. And He said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise. 15. And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. And He delivered him to his mother.'--LUKE vii. 13-15. We owe our knowledge of this incident to Luke only. He is the Evangelist who specially delights in recording the gracious relations of our Lord with women, and he is also the Evangelist who
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture

John's Doubts and Christ's Praise
'And the disciples of John shewed him of all these things. 19. 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? 20. 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? 21. And in the same hour He cured many of their infirmities and plagues, and of evil spirits; and unto many that were blind He gave sight. 22. Then Jesus, answering,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture

The Two Debtors
'There was a certain creditor which had two debtors; the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty. 42. And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell Me therefore, which of them will love him most? 43. Simon answered and said, I suppose that he to whom he forgave most.'--LUKE vii.41-43. We all know the lovely story in which this parable is embedded. A woman of notoriously bad character had somehow come in contact with Jesus Christ, and had by Him been aroused from her
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions Of Holy Scripture

Forgiveness and Love.
TEXT: LUKE vii. 36-50. HOWEVER much admiration and honour was given to our Saviour by many of His contemporaries during His life on earth; however powerfully a yet greater number were struck, at least for the moment, by His exalted character; still just His greatest words and His noblest deeds often remained dark even to the noblest and best around Him, and seemed to the rest a piece of insolent pretension. When He spoke of His eternal relation to the Eternal Father, even His more intimate disciples
Friedrich Schleiermacher—Selected Sermons of Schleiermacher

On the Words of the Gospel, Luke vii. 2, Etc. ; on the Three Dead Persons whom the Lord Raised.
1. The miracles of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ make indeed an impression on all who hear of, and believe them; but on different men in different ways. For some amazed at His miracles done on the bodies of men, have no knowledge to discern the greater; whereas some admire the more ample fulfilment in the souls of men at the present time of those things which they hear of as having been wrought on their bodies. The Lord Himself saith, "For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them;
Saint Augustine—sermons on selected lessons of the new testament

On the Words of the Gospel, Luke vii. 37, "And Behold, a Woman who was in the City, a Sinner," Etc. On the Remission of Sins,
1. Since I believe that it is the will of God that I should speak to you on the subject whereof we are now reminded by the words of the Lord out of the Holy Scriptures, I will by His assistance deliver to you, Beloved, a Sermon touching the remission of sins. For when the Gospel was being read, ye gave most earnest heed, and the story was reported, and represented before the eyes of your heart. For ye saw, not with the body, but with the mind, the Lord Jesus Christ "sitting at meat in the Pharisee's
Saint Augustine—sermons on selected lessons of the new testament

On Dress
"Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of -- wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; "But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price." 1 Pet. 3:3, 4. 1. St. Paul exhorts all those who desire to "be transformed by the renewal of their minds," and to "prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God," not to be "conformed to this world." [Rom. 12:2]
John Wesley—Sermons on Several Occasions

Saving Faith
I. WHAT WAS IT THAT SAVED the two persons whose history we are about to consider? In the penitent woman's case, her great sins were forgiven her and she became a woman of extraordinary love: she loved much, for she had much forgiven. I feel, in thinking of her, something like an eminent father of the church who said, "This narrative is not one which I can well preach upon; I had far rather weep over it in secret." That woman's tears, that woman's unbraided tresses wiping the Saviour's feet, her coming
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 20: 1874

A Gracious Dismissal
THE main part of my subject will be--that gracious dismissal, "Go in peace." To her who had been so lately blest, the word "Go" sounded mournfully; for she would fain have remained through life with her pardoning Lord; but the added words "in peace" turned the wormwood into honey--there was now peace for her who had been so long hunted and harried by her sins. Rising from the feet she had washed with tears, she went forth to keep her future footsteps such as those of a believing, and therefore saved,
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 37: 1891

Go in Peace
"And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace."--Luke 7:50. THERE appear to have been four stages in Christ's dealing with this woman. I know not what had preceded the narrative as we have it recorded in this chapter; I need not enter into that question now. There had, doubtless, been a work of the Spirit of God upon that woman's heart, turning her from her sin to her Saviour; but when she stood at our Master's feet, raining tears of penitence upon them, wiping them with the hairs
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 48: 1902

Liii. The Contemplation of Death.
16th Sunday after Trinity. S. Luke vii. 12. "Behold, there was a dead man carried out." INTRODUCTION.--The name of the village where the miracle was wrought which is recorded in this day's Gospel, was Nain, and the meaning of the name is "Pleasant" or "Beautiful." A sweet little village, you can picture it to yourself where you like, in the East, anywhere in Europe, here in England, it is all the same, an "Auburn" among villages, with thatched cottages, and green pastures, and the cows coming home
S. Baring-Gould—The Village Pulpit, Volume II. Trinity to Advent

Answer to Mr. W's Third Objection.
Our author says: p. 19. By way of objection to the letter of these three miracles, Let us consider the condition of the persons raised from the dead.--Where then was his wisdom and prudence to chuse these three persons above others to that honour? p. 20. I answer, that Jesus did not ordinarily choose the subjects of his miracles, but heal'd those chiefly who earnestly implored his mercy, or who pressed on him to be healed, or importunately desired it of him by others, when they could not possibly
Nathaniel Lardner—A Vindication of Three of Our Blessed Saviour's Miracles

Justifying or Sanctifying Grace
Sanctifying grace is defined by Deharbe as "an unmerited, supernatural gift, imparted to the soul by the Holy Ghost, by which we are made just, children of God, and heirs of Heaven." As it makes sinners just, sanctifying grace is also called justifying, though this appellation can not be applied to the sanctification of our first parents in Paradise or to that of the angels and the sinless soul of Christ. Justification, as we have shown, consists in the infusion of sanctifying grace, and hence it
Joseph Pohle—Grace, Actual and Habitual

Jesus Raises the Widow's Son.
(at Nain in Galilee.) ^C Luke VII. 11-17. ^c 11 And it came to pass soon afterwards [many ancient authorities read on the next day], that he went into a city called Nain; and his disciples went with him, and a great multitude. [We find that Jesus had been thronged with multitudes pretty continuously since the choosing of his twelve apostles. Nain lies on the northern slope of the mountain, which the Crusaders called Little Hermon, between twenty and twenty-five miles south of Capernaum, and about
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Jesus' Feet Anointed in the House of a Pharisee.
(Galilee.) ^C Luke VII. 36-50. ^c 36 And one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. [We learn from verse 40 that the Pharisee's name was Simon. Because the feast at Bethany was given in the house of Simon the leper, and because Jesus was anointed there also, some have been led to think that Luke is here describing this supper. See Matt. xxvi. 6-13; Mark xiv. 3-9; John xii. 1-8. But Simon the leper was not Simon the Pharisee. The name Simon was one of the most common among the Jewish
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Raising of the Young Man of Nain - the Meeting of Life and Death.
THAT early spring-tide in Galilee was surely the truest realisation of the picture in the Song of Solomon, when earth clad herself in garments of beauty, and the air was melodious with songs of new life. [2625] It seemed as if each day marked a widening circle of deepest sympathy and largest power on the part of Jesus; as if each day also brought fresh surprise, new gladness; opened hitherto unthought-of possibilities, and pointed Israel far beyond the horizon of their narrow expectancy. Yesterday
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

The Woman which was a Sinner
The precise date and place of the next recorded event in this Galilean journey of the Christ are left undetermined. It can scarcely have occurred in the quiet little town of Nain, indeed, is scarcely congruous with the scene which had been there enacted. And yet it must have followed almost immediately upon it. We infer this, not only from the silence of St. Matthew, which in this instance might have been due, not to the temporary detention of that Evangelist in Capernaum, while the others had followed
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

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