Matthew 11: 2-11
When John heard in prison what Christ was doing, he sent his disciples to ask him, “Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?”
Jesus replied, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see: The blind receive sight, the lamb walk, those who have leporsy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor. Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me.”
As John’s disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: “What did you go out into the desert 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 fine clothes are in kings’ palaces. Then 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 the truth: Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.
A Thought
John was the first prophet who was chosen to boldly confront sin and to prepare the way of salvation found in Jesus the Christ. Now John has been placed in prison by Herod, who had married his own sister-in-law. Apparently John is having doubts about whether Jesus is the long promised Messiah. Jesus sent his disciples to report the miracles they had seen and heard back to John in prison to let him know without a doubt this is the long awaited Messiah. Jesus is going to return to setup his kingdom on the earth. It is now our responsiability to prepare the way for Jesus’ return by preaching salvation through belief in him.
Our Prayer
Father lead us by the power of your Holy Spirit to prepare the way for the return of your son, Jesus the Christ. We must watch, pray and witness to the truth of the gospel to warn the people of the coming of your wrath that will completely destroy all sin and sickness. Help us to keep the faith and to be ready. We ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.
