This Generation

Scripture:  Matthew 11:16-19 (Click link for scripture in Bible Gateway)

16 “To what can I compare this generation? It is like children playing a game in the public square. They complain to their friends, 17 ‘We played wedding songs, and you didn’t dance, so we played funeral songs, and you didn’t mourn.’ 18 For John didn’t spend his time eating and drinking, and you say, ‘He’s possessed by a demon.’ 19 The Son of Man, on the other hand, feasts and drinks, and you say, ‘He’s a glutton and a drunkard, and a friend of tax collectors and other sinners!’ But wisdom is shown to be right by its results.” (Matthew 11:16–19 NLT)

This generation! Jesus was talking about the people in charge. These were the leading religious Jews, the people who had a big stake in the status quo. These were the people living mostly comfortable lives. They found plenty to complain about, but when it came to facing substantial change, they wanted to keep things as they were. They didn’t like John: he was too austere and preached that they needed to repent of their sin and selfishness. They said he had a demon! Then Jesus surfaced and attended weddings and feasts and dinners with disreputable sinners and tax collectors. They said he was a glutton and a drunkard! John told them they must stop lying and cheating. Jesus told them they must care for the poor and needy and outsiders. They eventually killed both John and Jesus. I guess you just can’t please selfish, self-righteous people who have a major stake in keeping things as they are.

This generation. The next generation. There’s the generation of post-WWII baby boomers, Generation X, the Millennials, Gen Z, then whatever we decide to call the next generation. Generations are changing faster than ever in history. For centuries, a generational change was around 40 years. Then it was about 25 years. Now, major changes in attitudes, values, and behavior patterns happen in only 10 to 15 years.

Jesus was committed to his generation (and to all the generations that follow). Friends, let’s be committed to our generation, the next generation (our kids), and the next generation (our grandkids). Let’s make the effort to bridge the culture gap, the generation gap, the communication gap. Let’s pass on everything we can that will help them truly know God. And let’s shut up about all the selfish, trivial stuff that builds walls instead of bridges and barriers instead of relationships!

Prayer:

Father, May we serve this generation, and the next generation, and may we keep relationships healthy, communication flowing, and the faith growing. In Jesus’ Name!