Go Tell John

Scripture: Matthew 11:1-6 (Click link for scripture in Bible Gateway)

1 When Jesus had finished giving these instructions to his twelve disciples, he went out to teach and preach in towns throughout the region. 2 John the Baptist, who was in prison, heard about all the things the Messiah was doing. So he sent his disciples to ask Jesus, 3 “Are you the Messiah we’ve been expecting, or should we keep looking for someone else?” 4 Jesus told them, “Go back to John and tell him what you have heard and seen—5 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.” 6 And he added, “God blesses those who do not fall away because of me.” (Matt 11:1–6 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 each other 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 had gotten 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, Thanks 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!