Any Questions?
Opening Prayer
Lord, everything You do is good. When I do not understand Your ways, help me to trust Your heart.
Read Matthew 11:1-19
[1] After Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he went on from there to teach and preach in the towns of Galilee. [2] When John, who was in prison, heard about the deeds of the Messiah, he sent his disciples [3] to ask him, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?” [4] Jesus replied, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see: [5] 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. [6] Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.” [7] As John’s disciples were leaving, 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? [8] 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. [9] Then what 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: “‘I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.’ [11] Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet whoever 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 has been subjected to violence, and violent people have been raiding it. [13] For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John. [14] And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come. [15] Whoever has ears, let them hear. [16] “To what can I compare this generation? They are like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling out to others: [17] “‘We played the pipe 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, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’ But wisdom is proved right by her deeds.” Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
What was it about Jesus that did not fit John's expectations?I’m not normally overcritical of others, but there was something about him that just did not seem to fit! It was hard to describe, but he wasn’t what I had been expecting. He came into my kitchen, sat cheerfully at the table and dove into my chocolate cake with obvious enjoyment and relish. He laughed and joked and played with the dog. It wasn’t how I had expected a bishop to behave. I thought bishops would sit formally in the study, wear purple shirts and be weighed down with pectoral crosses and the cares of a diocese. I felt like asking, “Are you really a bishop? Or should I expect someone else?” John the Baptist and his disciples were not at all sure about Jesus. “Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?” What, or who, were they expecting (3)? Perhaps not this adventurous young man! But at least they had the courage to ask the question. And Jesus replied, “Look at what I have been doing. Look at the proof” (4,5). He didn’t deride them for asking. He understood and helped his questioners to understand too.
Apply
Talk to God about the areas that have made you question him. Be honest with him and listen for him to speak.
Closing prayer
Lord, when I do not understand the things that are going on in my life, bring my attention to the reality of who Jesus is.
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