Todays Scripture: Matthew 11:2-19 (full scripture passage at the bottom of the page)
“Now when John, while imprisoned, heard of the works of Christ, he sent word by his disciples 3 and said to Him, “Are You the Expected One, or shall we look for someone else?”
Todays scripture has John the Baptist in prison facing death for his faith. John is the same person who baptized Jesus, saw the heavens open and heard the words, “This is my beloved son on whom my favor rests.” Now John is sending his friends to ask Jesus if he was the “Expected One or should they look for someone else?” John had given his life to preparing the way for Jesus and yet he still has doubt.
Not only is Jesus patient with the question and gracious with a reassuring answer but goes on to say this about John, “Truly I say to you, among those born of women there has not arisen anyone greater than John the Baptist.” Are you surprised that Jesus responded to John’s doubt in this way?
Can people have faith and doubt? One of the best books we have read on the subject is the book“Faith and Doubt” by John Ortberg. Ortberg says the most important word in the title is the word “and.” He goes on to say that “the very nature of faith requires the presence of uncertainty.”
We would say that a healthy relationship with Jesus includes asking questions. Real relationships have dialogue. Sometimes the questions aren’t answered as quickly or as clearly as John’s question in this passage, but stay with your faith while you wonder. You will find God in the questions and grace to guide you as you as you wait. Try the 3G practice.
Give up – fear and the lie that says questions aren’t a part of faith.
Give in – to an honest dialogue with God. Seek God and let your questions lead you to God and not away from God.
Give out – by reaching out. Find solid spiritual friends who will journey with you in the questions of your faith.
Matthew 11:2-19
Matthew 11:2-19″Now when John, while imprisoned, heard of the works of Christ, he sent word by his disciples 3 and said to Him, “Are You the Expected One, or shall we look for someone else?”4 Jesus answered and said to them, “Go and report to John what you hear and see: 5 the blind receive sight and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them. 6 And blessed is he who does not take offense at Me.”
7 As these men were going away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John, “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? 8 But what did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing? Those who wear soft clothing are in kings’ palaces!9 But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and one who is more than a prophet. 10 This is the one about whom it is written,
‘Behold, I send My messenger ahead of You,
Who will prepare Your way before You.’
11 Truly I say to you, among those born of women there has not arisen anyone greater than John the Baptist! Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.12 From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and violent men take it by force. 13 For all the prophets and the Law prophesied until John. 14 And if you are willing to accept it, John himself is Elijah who was to come. 15 He who has ears to hear, let him hear.
16 “But to what shall I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the market places, who call out to the other children, 17 and say, ‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn.’ 18 For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon!’ 19 The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Behold, a gluttonous man and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Yet wisdom is vindicated by her deeds.”