“A Prophet”
John’s disciples told him about all these things. Calling two of them, he sent them to the Lord to ask, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?”
When the men came to Jesus, they said, “John the Baptist sent us to you to ask, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?’”
At that very time Jesus cured many who had diseases, sicknesses and evil spirits, and gave sight to many who were blind. So he replied to the messengers, “Go back and report to John what you have seen and heard: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.”
After John’s messengers
left, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: “What
did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swayed by the wind? If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes?
No, those who wear expensive clothes and indulge in luxury are in palaces.
But what did you go out to see? A prophet?
Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the
one about whom it is written: “‘I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way
before you.’ I tell you, among those born of women there is no
one greater than John; yet the one who is least in the
Luke 7:18-28
It is perfectly natural for fear
and doubt to creep into our lives, just as it was for John the Baptist. He
wanted to know for sure that Jesus was the Messiah and that his own ministry
had been valid.
Jesus’ response is a comforting
model for us to use. Instead of discounting the doubt or criticizing John,
Jesus pointed to the miracles He was doing. As eyewitnesses, John’s disciples
could return with vivid assurances for their mentor.
Questioning and doubting, both
understandable human responses, are opportunities to remind, reassure, and
comfort those who are shaken by uncertainty.
Reassurance comes as
we doubt our doubts and believe our beliefs.
Our Daily Bread –