From Pastor Perry

Matthew 11:1–6 (ESV)

Messengers from John the Baptist

11 When Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he went on from there to teach and preach in their cities.

² Now when John heard in prison about the deeds of the Christ, he sent word by his disciples ³ and said to him, “Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?” ⁴ And Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: ⁵ the blind receive their sight and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them. ⁶ And blessed is the one who is not offended by me.”

I must admit that I am confused about what is going on in today’s reading.  For the longest time, I have believed that John was caught up in the poor pitiful me attitude while he is sitting in prison.  I mean, how can the Messiah ignore John in prison.  John is even questioning whether Jesus is the Messiah.  But while at the seminary, this thought was challenged.  The above thought train is a very valid interpretation, but a new perspective was offered.  John had his own followers and John knew that he was to become less while Jesus increases.  John sends his followers to Jesus to ask “Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?”  This is supposing that John knows that Jesus is the Messiah, but is sending his followers who have doubts.  Jesus does not answer their question directly.  Whichever perspective is correct, Jesus answers with actions.  He answers by fulfilling prophecies.  The scriptures say: “Go and tell John what you hear and see: ⁵ the blind receive their sight and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them. ⁶ And blessed is the one who is not offended by me.”  I think in this case, action speaks louder than words.

I pray: O Lord, I believe and know that you are the One who is to come.  There is no other.  Your Word is all I need, but your actions verify the facts.  Help me to never doubt you.  In Jesus name I pray, Amen.