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Reading: Luke 11:29-32

29 As the crowds increased, Jesus said, “This is a wicked generation. It asks for a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah. 30 For as Jonah was a sign to the Ninevites, so also will the Son of Man be to this generation.31 The Queen of the South will rise at the judgment with the people of this generation and condemn them, for she came from the ends of the earth to listen to Solomon’s wisdom;and now something greater than Solomon is here. 32 The men of Nineveh will stand up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and now something greater than Jonah is here.

Focus: "something than greater than Solomon...Jonah is here" (verse 31-32)

Reflection

Jesus says amazing things about Himself. As we read through the Gospels we see this again and again:

"I am the good Shepherd" (John 10:11)

"I am the resurrection and the life" (John 11:25)

“Then they all said, ‘Are You then the Son of God?’ So He said to them, ‘You rightly say that I am’” (LUke 22:70.

“For whoever does the will of My Father in heaeven is My brother and sister and mother" (Matthew 12:50).

“Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth’” (Matthew 28:18).

“Therefore the Jews sought all the more to kill Him, because He not only broke the Sabbath, but also said that God was His Father, making Himself equal with God”  (John 5:17-22).

And likewise in this passage (Luke 11:29-32) Jesus also says amazing things about Himself: (1) he is a greater prophet than Jonah and (2) he is greater than Solomon in his wisdom.

When I read verses like this I have to ask: Who does Jesus think He is? Who talks like this?

And the Gospels are written (with the birth of Jesus, his miracles and healings, his teachings, his sufferings and death, his resurrection and ascension) so that we will see how much "greater" Jesus is!

During this season of Lent do we sense how Jesus is "greater": a greater Shepherd, a greater prophet, a greater king, a greater teacher, a greater Redeemer...than all those who have come before or after Him.

Because Jesus is greater He is worthy to be followed, served and worshipped.