Whom Do We Expect To See?
2 When John heard in prison what the Messiah was doing, he sent word by his disciples 3 and said to him, "Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?" 4 Jesus answered them, "Go and tell John what you hear and see: 5 the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have good news brought to them. 6 And blessed is anyone who takes no offense at me." (Matthew 11:2-6)
John the Baptizer had preached repentance for all and judgement against both religious and political leaders, and now he was in jail - facing execution. John had understood that he was preparing the way for the Messiah and he'd believed Jesus to be that savior. But, rather than words of wrath, Jesus came speaking welcome, reconciliation and healing. So, John had questions and he sent some of his followers to ask Jesus plainly if Jesus was the One. Jesus answered only by pointing to his deeds as evidence. The passage doesn't tell us if John's followers were satisfied, or even if John himself was assured by Jesus' answer. Are we?
If we're honest, Jesus might not be the savior we'd hope for. He very rarely told anyone they were wrong - or right. He did nothing to either get the political and religious leaders on his side or overthrow them altogether. While he healed those who were sick and lifted up women and children, Jesus sought no glory or acclaim for himself or his followers. The kingdom Jesus taught about is indiscriminately open, and can come only when people choose to make it so by caring for the most vulnerable. Is this whom we are expecting when we welcome the
baby in the manger?
Both John and Jesus were revered, respected, praised and loved by those without power, but were killed by those in power who were threatened by the potential shift in the status quo. As we anticipate the ever-present king and his still-coming kingdom we must ask ourselves if we're really ready, or if we are too tied to the stats quo and the power it seems to give us. May we heed the warnings of John even as we cling to the unusual grace offered by the One born into sin so that we might live again.
7 As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: "What did you go out into the wilderness to look at? A reed shaken by the wind? 8 What then did you go out to see? Someone dressed in soft robes? Look, those who wear soft robes are in royal palaces. 9 What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 10 This is the one about whom it is written, 'See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.' 11 Truly I tell you, among those born of women no one has arisen greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. (Matthew 11:7-11)
