Luke 11:29:32: ‘…something greater…’

Here is another indicator that Jesus was not impressed by crowds as such (29). He knew what was in people (John 2:24, 25), and He was quite prepared to preach uncompromising, hard-hitting messages that would whittle down the numbers (John 6:22-71). In any crowd the parable of the sower will be worked out. We should not be impressed by numbers for numbers’ sake. Statistics may tell you something, but they don’t give you the whole story.Our Lord knew that in the crowds there would be people who were seeking a sign and not a Saviour. The lack of repentance showed that (32). There were many others around at that time who were just like Herod (Luke 23:8). They wanted a performance, a circus act. They thought it was ‘showtime’. It is true today that there are many who would like Jesus to do a miracle for them. They would love to have some gospel ‘magic dust’ sprinkled on their heads. But they do not want to live differently, and so they miss out.

Why did Jesus say what He did about the ‘Queen of the South’? (31). I believe it is because she was serious. She humbled herself, and put herself out to benefit from Solomon’s wisdom. She didn’t simply want to ‘see’ something spectacular. More than anything she wanted to ‘hear’ truth. Solomon was a great man, but in Jesus ‘something greater’ has come. He is, as we have seen, ‘one stronger’ (22) and ‘something greater’ (31,32). He is greater than Solomon; greater than Jonah ; greater than the greatest figures in Biblical history.

Will you listen to this greater than Solomon and learn from His instruction?

Will you heed the message of this greater than Jonah and turn to Him from all that you know to be wrong?

Or do you just want to see a spiritual fireworks show?