A Childish Parable
Luke 7:31-35

1. An introductory question
31 “To what then shall I compare the people of this generation, and what are they like? Luke 7:31 (ESV)

29    . . . This generation is an evil generation . . . Luke 11:29 (ESV)

50  so that the blood of all the prophets, shed from the foundation of the world, may be charged against this generation, Luke 11:50 (ESV)

2. An illuminating illustration
32  They are like children sitting in the marketplace and calling to one another, “‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not weep.’ Luke 7:32 (ESV)

3. An indicting application
33  For John the Baptist has come eating no bread and drinking no wine, and you say, ‘He has a demon.’ 34  The Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Look at him! A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Luke 7:33-34 (ESV)

He who is often reproved, yet stiffens his neck, will suddenly be broken beyond healing. Proverbs 29:1 (ESV)

8  do not harden your hearts, as at Meribah, as on the day at Massah in the wilderness, Psalm 95:8 (ESV)

14  Blessed is the one who fears the LORD always, but whoever hardens his heart will fall into calamity. Proverbs 28:14 (ESV)

2  Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2 (ESV)

4. An inspiring conclusion
35  Yet wisdom is justified by all her children.” Luke 7:35 (ESV)

15  and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 3:15 (ESV)