Lucas 7:31-32

Horae Homileticae de Charles Simeon

DISCOURSE: 1501
THE PERVERSE CHILDREN

Lucas 7:31; Lucas 7:35. 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 market-place, 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.…But wisdom is justified of all her children.

THOUGH man is distinguished from all other animals by the faculty of reason, he is far from submitting readily to its dictates. In things that are agreeable to his mind he is easily persuaded: but where he is at all swayed by prejudice, or passion, or interest, he cannot be prevailed upon, even by the clearest arguments, to embrace truth, or to fulfil his duty. Thus it was with the Pharisees in our Lord’s time; on which account he compared them to perverse children, who could not be induced by their companions to participate in their amusements, notwithstanding every endeavour on their parts to accommodate themselves to their wishes [Note: It was customary to use pipes both at marriages and at funerals; at the one in cheerful, at the other in plaintive strains. And the children, in their play, are supposed to represent first the festivity of a marriage, and afterwards the lamentations of a funeral: in neither of which could they get their companions to join them.].

In this parable our Lord intimates,

I. The reception which his Gospel meets with—

God has used a great variety of means in order to recommend his Gospel—
[He published it to the Jews under types and shadows, and gradually unfolded it to them in a long series of prophecies. When the time came for its more general promulgation, he sent the Baptist to prepare their minds, and the Messiah himself to preach it to them, and to confirm his word by miracles without number. He endued also a few poor fishermen with miraculous powers, and sent them to publish the glad tidings, that their divine mission being unquestionable, their testimony might be universally received. Nothing was wanting that could in any wise promote the acceptance of the truth.]
But in every place the Gospel has been rejected by those to whom it has come—
[The Jews rested in the letter of their law, but hated the spirit of it; they embraced the shadow, but rejected the substance. By whomsoever the Gospel was preached, or under whatsoever form, the great majority of that nation could not be prevailed upon to receive it. Thus at this day, the truth of God is generally disregarded and despised. Men, it is true, profess to be followers of Christ, and to approve of his religion: but they are not suitably affected with it in any respect; they neither rejoice in its promises, nor are humbled by its threat-enings; “if we pipe to them, they will not dance; and if we mourn to them, they will not lament.” Notwithstanding there is such a transcendent excellence in the Gospel, and such an exact suitableness to men’s necessities, yet we still have reason to complain, “Lord, who hath believed our report?”]
It is a matter of no small importance to ascertain,

II.

The true ground of this reception—

The ostensible ground is, that the Gospel is not properly administered—

[The Jews could not confute the arguments of the Baptist or of Christ; but they took occasion from the peculiarities of each to reject their testimony. John, agreeably to the dispensation under which he ministered, was austere in his manners; and Christ, agreeably to the dispensation which he came to introduce, was affable and social: yet, so far were the people from being pleased with either, that of one they said, “He hath a devil;” and of the other, “He is a glutton and a drunkard.”
Thus it is at this time: men will not say, “I hate the Gospel, and therefore will not attend to it;” but they will find fault with the persons who administer it; and make their peculiarities a plea for despising their message. At one time they represent the ministers of Christ as speaking too much about faith, and thereby depreciating morality: at another time, as insisting so strongly on good works, that they drive men to despair. Sometimes they will object to the truth because it is not read to them from a written discourse: and sometimes because of the earnest and impressive manner in which it is delivered. Even the virtues whereby ministers endeavour to adorn and recommend the Gospel, are often made occasions of offence; and the strictness of their lives, the condescension of their manners, and their assiduity in labours, are stated as grounds of heavy complaint. And as no terms were too opprobrious to be applied to the Baptist and to Christ, so there is no name so ignominious, nor any treatment so harsh, but it is thought a proper portion for every faithful servant of the Lord.]
The true ground, however, must be found in the perverseness of mankind—

[We, at this distance of time, see clearly enough the perverseness of the Jews in their treatment of Christ and his Apostles: but we are not aware of the same principle operating in ourselves. Nevertheless the truth is, that we have imbibed notions, which we do not like to have controverted; and have adopted practices, from which we will not recede. The Gospel proposes humiliating doctrines which we are too proud to receive; and self-denying rules of conduct which we cannot endure to follow. Hence we must either acknowledge that we ourselves are wrong, or find some reason for rejecting the truth. But we cannot altogether profess ourselves infidels and despise the Gospel as a fable; we therefore are constrained to blame the mode in which it is administered, and to condemn the preachers of it in order to justify ourselves. But the real ground of our conduct is, that “we love darkness rather than light;” and, if Jesus Christ himself were again to preach to us, the same conduct which he formerly pursued would give the same offence to his hearers, and be made a pretext for rejecting his testimony.]
But in the close of the parable, our Lord suggests,

III.

The encouragement which ministers, notwithstanding this reception, have to preach the Gospel—

The Gospel of Christ, when justly stated, is the truest “wisdom”—
[It is called by St. Paul, “The wisdom of God in a mystery:” and the wisdom of God does indeed beam forth in every part of it, whether we consider the mysteries it reveals, or the mode of its administration. Who can contemplate the method prescribed by God for effecting our reconciliation with him, or for fitting us to enjoy his presence, and not be filled with rapture and amazement? The more we consider the satisfaction of Christ, or the agency of the Spirit, the nature of faith or the beauty of holiness, or, in a word, the union of God’s glory and man’s happiness in the whole scheme of redemption, the more shall we be overwhelmed with wonder at the depths of wisdom contained in it.
The progressive steps also by which it has been dispensed, together with the means by which it has been confirmed and propagated, yea, even the manner in which it has been brought home with power to our own hearts and consciences, will furnish abundant matter to increase our admiration.
And must not the consideration of this be a rich encouragement to ministers under all the contempt and obloquy with which they and their ministrations are regarded? Yes, they know that what the world account foolishness is indeed the wisdom of God [Note: 1 Coríntios 1:23.]; and that “if they be beside themselves, it is to God [Note: 1 Coríntios 4:10 and 2 Coríntios 5:13.].”]

Moreover, the children of wisdom will assuredly receive their testimony—
[They are “the children of wisdom” who are willing to “sit at wisdom’s gates,” and to obey her dictates; and, such are to be found in every place, notwithstanding the generality prefer the ways of sin and folly. Now “of all these” the Gospel will be approved, embraced, “justified.” They will shew to the world, both by their profession and conduct, that it is indeed “worthy of all acceptation.” While others pour contempt upon it, these will be nourished by it; and while others make it a stumbling-block, over which they fall and perish, these will be rendered by it “wise unto salvation.”
What can a faithful minister wish for more? He knows that his labours shall not be altogether in vain, but that there shall be some who shall be saved by his means, and be “his joy and crown of rejoicing” for evermore: and this far outweighs all the injuries and insults, which in the discharge of his office, he meets with at the hands of a perverse ungrateful world.]

To improve this subject, observe,
1.

What enemies are men to their own happiness!

[What end had the Baptist or Christ in view, when they preached to the people? Was it to raise a party? to get a name? to gratify their own vanity? Was it not rather to instruct and save mankind? Yet, men every where set themselves against them. And of what concern was it to John or Christ that they were called by opprobrious names? But to those who thus despised them it was of infinite moment; because they thereby ensured and aggravated their own eternal condemnation. Thus it is of small concern to us to be loaded with ignominy and reproach: but to those who thus requite our labours, it is an awful matter; for they despise their own mercies, and accomplish their own ruin. Let those who are thus disposed, remember, that they are far greater enemies to themselves than they are to us.]

2. What a blessing is “an honest and good heart!”

[They alone who possess this gift can profit from the Gospel. With such a disposition men will overlook the little peculiarities which there may be in those who minister the word, and will endeavour to derive benefit from the word they hear. They will consider that every minister has his proper gift; and that the method which they disapprove, may be well suited to others. They will be thankful that the glad tidings are sent to them; and will receive the word with the affections suited to it [Note: Atos 17:11.]. They will either “dance or weep” according as the subject calls for humiliation or joy. Thus, instead of rejecting the counsel of God against themselves, they will “justify God [Note: ver. 29, 30.]” by an unfeigned acknowledgment of his truth, and a ready compliance with his will.

Let us then cultivate this disposition; so shall that which is to many “a savour of death unto death, be to us a savour of life unto life [Note: 2 Coríntios 2:15.].”]

Veja mais explicações de Lucas 7:31-32

Destaque

Comentário Crítico e Explicativo de toda a Bíblia

E os discípulos de João lhe mostraram todas estas coisas. Para as declarações da prisão de Batista, veja as notas em Marcos 6:17 - Marcos 6:20 . Ele já esteve na prisão provavelmente um ano inteiro,...

Destaque

Comentário Bíblico de Matthew Henry

19-35 A seus milagres no reino da natureza, Cristo acrescenta isso no reino da graça. Aos pobres o evangelho é pregado. Indicou claramente a natureza espiritual do reino de Cristo, que o mensageiro qu...

Destaque

Comentário Bíblico de Adam Clarke

Versículo 31. _ E O SENHOR DISSE _] Quase todos os MS. de autoridade e importância, com a maioria das _ versões _, omita essas palavras. Como os _ Evangelistaria _ (os livros que continham as partes d...

Através da Série C2000 da Bíblia por Chuck Smith

Vamos abrir agora em nossas Bíblias o evangelho de Lucas, capítulo 7. Neste ponto do evangelho de Lucas ele vai nos dar uma série de eventos, milagres que aconteceram na vida de Jesus. Terminadas esta...

Bíblia anotada por A.C. Gaebelein

CAPÍTULO 7 _1. O Servo do Centurião é curado. ( Lucas 7:1 .)_ 2. O filho da viúva ressuscitou dos mortos. ( Lucas 7:11 ) 3. As perguntas de John e a resposta. ( Lucas 7:18 ) 4. O testemunho a respe...

Bíblia de Cambridge para Escolas e Faculdades

_E o Senhor disse que_ essas palavras são quase certamente espúrias, sendo omitidas por todos os melhores unciais. _A que então devo comparar_ Nosso Senhor parece ter usado mais de uma vez esta fórmu...

Bíblia de Estudo Diário Barclay (NT)

Mas os fariseus e os escribas frustraram o propósito de Deus para si mesmos porque não foram batizados por ele. "A quem, perguntou Jesus, "compararei os homens desta geração? E com quem eles são parec...

Bíblia de Estudo Diário Barclay (NT)

A FÉ DE UM SOLDADO ( Lucas 7:1-10 )...

Comentário Bíblico de Albert Barnes

Veja esta passagem explicada em Mateus 11:2. Lucas 7:29 AS PESSOAS - As pessoas comuns. ISSO O OUVIU - Isso ouviu "John". OS PUBLICANOS - Os cobradores de impostos, o pior tipo de pessoa que, n...

Comentário Bíblico de Charles Spurgeon

Lucas 7:24. _ e quando os mensageiros de João foram afastados, ele começou a falar às pessoas sobre John, o que teve o deserto para ver? Um reed sacudido com o vento? _. Certamente não; John nunca pod...

Comentário Bíblico de Charles Spurgeon

Lucas 7:18. _ e os discípulos de João o mostraram de todas essas coisas. _. John estava na prisão e, possivelmente, perturbado em espírito. Lucas 7:19. _ e John chamando a ele dois de seus discípulo...

Comentário Bíblico de João Calvino

31. _ Com o que devo comparar? _ Ele não inclui todos os homens de sua idade, mas fala particularmente dos escribas e de seus seguidores. Ele os acusou dessa censura, que, embora o Senhor se esforças...

Comentário Bíblico de John Gill

E o Senhor disse: ... Esta cláusula não está nas versões siríacas, árabes, persicas e etiópicas, nem em algumas cópias, nem na cópia mais antiga de Beza; e ser omitido, mostra mais claramente, que os...

Comentário Bíblico do Estudo de Genebra

(5) E o Senhor disse: A que, então, compararei os homens desta geração? e como eles são? (5) Seja qual for a maneira que Deus usa para nos oferecer o evangelho, a maioria dos homens trazem ofensas so...

Comentário Bíblico do Púlpito

EXPOSIÇÃO Lucas 7:1 O servo (ou escravo) do centurião de Cafarnaum é curado. Lucas 7:1 Agora, quando ele terminara todas as suas palavras. Isso se refere claramente ao sermão da montaria. Esse gran...

Comentário de Arthur Peake sobre a Bíblia

JOÃO BATISTA ( Mateus 11:1 *). De acordo com Lc., Os discípulos de João têm acesso a ele, e Jesus está empenhado em obras de cura na hora da embaixada. Lucas 7:21 parece que Lk. estavam decididos a fa...

Comentário de Catena Aurea

VER 29. E TODO O POVO QUE O OUVIU, E OS PUBLICANOS, JUSTIFICARAM A DEUS, SENDO BATIZADOS COM O BATISMO DE JOÃO. 30. MAS OS FARISEUS E ADVOGADOS REJEITARAM O CONSELHO DE DEUS CONTRA SI MESMOS, NÃO SEND...

Comentário de Dummelow sobre a Bíblia

CRIAÇÃO DO FILHO DA VIÚVA. A MULHER QUE ERA UMA PECADORA 1-10. Cura do servo do centurião. Veja no Mateus 8:5....

Comentário de Dummelow sobre a Bíblia

A OPINIÃO DE CRISTO SOBRE JOHN. Veja no Mateus 11:7. 29, 30. Peculiar a Lk....

Comentário de Ellicott sobre toda a Bíblia

(31-35) WHEREUNTO THEN SHALL I LIKEN... — See Notes on Mateus 11:16. Some of the better MSS. omit the introductory words, “and the Lord said.”...

Comentário de Ellicott sobre toda a Bíblia

(24-35) AND WHEN THE MESSENGERS OF JOHN WERE DEPARTED. — See Notes on Mateus 11:7. The two narratives agree very closely. The few variations will be noticed as they occur....

Comentário de Frederick Brotherton Meyer

UM GRANDE HOMEM E AINDA MAIOR Lucas 7:24 O Mestre escolheu o momento do desmaio de João para passar esse alto elogio ao caráter vigoroso do Batista, sua indiferença aos subornos mundanos e sua comiss...

Comentário de Joseph Benson sobre o Antigo e o Novo Testamento

_E todas as pessoas_ que estavam presentes, e _os publicanos_ em particular, _quando ouviram_ este discurso, tendo sido anteriormente _batizados com o batismo de João, justificaram Deus_ , possuindo s...

Comentário de Leslie M. Grant sobre a Bíblia

UM SERVO DO SÉCULO CURADO (vs.1-10) O Senhor então veio a Cafarnaum e lá foi apelado por um gentio, um centurião romano, por meio da mediação de anciãos judeus. Em contraste com isso, uma mulher de...

Comentário de Peter Pett sobre a Bíblia

“A que então devo comparar os homens desta geração, e como eles são? Eles são como crianças que se sentam no mercado e chamam umas às outras, que dizem: 'Nós tocamos para você, e você não dançou, Nó...

Comentário de Sutcliffe sobre o Antigo e o Novo Testamentos

Lucas 7:2 . _O servo de um certo centurião. _Assim que esse oficial ouviu falar de Cristo, ele acreditou nele, tendo sido assegurado dos milagres por testemunhas competentes. Sendo um gentio, ele envi...

Comentário do Testamento Grego de Cambridge para Escolas e Faculdades

A MENSAGEM DO BATISTA...

Comentário do Testamento Grego de Cambridge para Escolas e Faculdades

31 . [ ΕἾΠΕ ΔῈ Ὁ ΚΎΡΙΟΣ ]. Essas palavras são quase certamente espúrias, sendo omitidas por todos os melhores unciais. ΤΊΝΙ ΟΥ̓͂Ν ὉΜΟΙΏΣΩ …; Nosso Senhor parece mais de uma vez ter usado essa fórmula...

Comentário popular da Bíblia de Kretzmann

E O SENHOR DISSE: A QUE, ENTÃO, COMPARAREI OS HOMENS DESTA GERAÇÃO? E COMO ELES SÃO?...

Comentário popular da Bíblia de Kretzmann

Parábola das crianças no mercado:...

Exposição de G. Campbell Morgan sobre a Bíblia inteira

Aqui nosso Senhor ultrapassou a fronteira nacional para trazer a bênção para a casa de um centurião romano. Desse homem, os anciãos disseram: "Ele é digno". O homem disse: "Não sou digno". Jesus disse...

Hawker's Poor man's comentário

(18) E os discípulos de João lhe mostraram todas essas coisas. (19) E João, chamando a si dois dos seus discípulos, enviou-os a Jesus, dizendo: És tu aquele que havia de vir? ou procuramos outro? (20)...

John Trapp Comentário Completo

E o Senhor disse: A que então compararei os homens desta geração? e como eles são? Ver. 31. Ver Mateus 11:16 , etc....

Notas Bíblicas Complementares de Bullinger

E O SENHOR DISSE . Todos os textos omitem essas palavras. esta geração. Veja a nota em Mateus 11:16 ....

O Comentário Homilético Completo do Pregador

_NOTAS CRÍTICAS_ Lucas 7:19 . - A mensagem enviada por João Batista a Jesus tem sido objeto de muita discussão. Embora em forma de perguntas, suas palavras são virtualmente um apelo a Cristo para se...

O Estudo Bíblico do Novo Testamento por Rhoderick D. Ice

E OS ENVIOU AO SENHOR PARA INTERROGÁ-LO. João Batista já havia identificado Jesus como o Messias ( João 1:31-34 ). Mas os judeus esperavam um Messias político, e João se pergunta por que Jesus não der...

O ilustrador bíblico

_A que então compararei os homens desta geração_ O BATISTA E CRISTO Na metáfora da cana balançando ao vento, traçamos aquela observação atenta da natureza que permitiu a Cristo interpretar tanto da...

Série de livros didáticos de estudo bíblico da College Press

COMENTÁRIOS DE APPLEBURY _Sobre João Batista Escritura_ Lucas 7:18-35 E os discípulos de João contaram-lhe todas estas coisas. 19 E João, chamando dois dos seus discípulos, enviaram-nos ao Senhor, d...

Série de livros didáticos de estudo bíblico da College Press

COMENTÁRIOS DO MORDOMO SEÇÃO 4 O Superficial ( Lucas 7:24-35 ) 24 Tendo saído os mensageiros de João, ele começou a falar à multidão a respeito de João: Que fostes ver no deserto? Uma cana agitada p...

Sinopses de John Darby

Assim, depois disso, encontramos o Espírito agindo no coração de um gentio (capítulo 7). Aquele coração manifestou mais fé do que qualquer um entre os filhos de Israel. Humilde de coração e amando o p...

Tesouro do Conhecimento das Escrituras

Lamentações 2:13; Marcos 4:30; Mateus 11:16...