Go Tell John

Scripture: Luke 7:18-23

18 The disciples of John the Baptist told John about everything Jesus was doing. So John called for two of his disciples, 19 and he sent them to the Lord to ask him, “Are you the Messiah we’ve been expecting, or should we keep looking for someone else?” 20 John’s two disciples found Jesus and said to him, “John the Baptist sent us to ask, ‘Are you the Messiah we’ve been expecting, or should we keep looking for someone else?’ ” 21 At that very time, Jesus cured many people of their diseases, illnesses, and evil spirits, and he restored sight to many who were blind. 22 Then he told John’s disciples, “Go back to John and tell him what you have seen and heard—the blind see, the lame walk, those with leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, and the Good News is being preached to the poor.” 23 And he added, “God blesses those who do not turn away because of me.” (Luke 7:18-23 NLT)

John the Baptist was in prison and he knew his time was short. He heard about all the things the Messiah was doing and it wasn’t what he had expected. John knew what God had sent him to do: To preach that the people should learn to think differently about themselves and about God, and to get ready for the Messiah to bring the Kingdom of God to earth. At Jesus’ baptism, God had confirmed by the presence of the Holy Spirit, that Jesus was The One! Now John was in prison, and in the dark dungeon, he began to wonder if he had missed it. What a tragedy if he had staked his life on Jesus and got it wrong! You see, Jesus wasn’t doing what John (or anyone else) had expected the Messiah to do!

Jesus didn’t rebuke John for his doubts, and he doesn’t rebuke you and me for our honest doubts, honest questions, and honest search for truth! Jesus understood John’s confusion and concern. He simply said, “Go tell John what you hear me teaching and see me doing! The blind see, the lame walk, those with leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, and the Good News is being preached to the poor.” John the Baptist preached “Repent and change your mind!” Now he had to change his mind about what to expect from the Messiah!

Oh how deeply Jesus loved his cousin John! How deeply he loves you and me! His mission and his message haven’t changed. Is there anything you need to change about how you see Jesus, his message, and his mission? Bring Jesus your questions, your fears, and your honest doubts. He will not reject you or condemn you. He’s still healing, restoring, and giving us hope! May you find courage in him today!

Prayer:

Father, Thank you for being patient with our questions and doubts. Help us to always bring our doubts and questions to you without fear or hesitation. We trust you! Amen!