‘ARE YOU THE ONE?’
Opening Prayer
Shepherd God, my name and my needs are known to you. With that assurance, I confidently surrender this day to you.
Read Matthew 11:1–6
Jesus and John the Baptist
11 After Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he went on from there to teach and preach in the towns of Galilee.[a]
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[b] 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.”
Footnotes
- Matthew 11:1 Greek in their towns
- Matthew 11:5 The Greek word traditionally translated leprosy was used for various diseases affecting the skin.
New International Version (NIV)Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
In the words of this song, Jesus is: ‘Way maker, Miracle worker, Promise keeper, Light in the darkness.’* As you come before God, which aspects of Jesus do you need to be powerfully present in your life today?What question would you ask Jesus? Why did John ask his (v 3)? Hadn’t his ministry been preparation for the coming of Jesus? Matthew’s Gospel was written to show that Jesus fulfilled Old Testament prophecy about the Messiah the Jews were waiting for, who would bring judgment on sinners and rewards to the righteous (Malachi 4:1–3). John the Baptist preached the urgency of repentance, prayer and fasting to prepare for him (3:2,11,12; Luke 5:33).
The Jews expected an earthly ruler from King David’s royal line, who would reunite the tribes of Israel, restore the nation and establish an age of peace. They didn’t think he’d be the Son of God! Yet only God could bring true righteousness by paying the price for our sin himself (Hebrews 10:10). John needed to ‘hear and see’ that the compassion of Jesus toward the broken was consistent with the deeds of the promised Messiah (v 5; Isaiah 61:1–3). When we choose to live by the new law of freedom brought by Christ, mercy triumphs over judgment (James 2:12,13).
Apply
Some people see God as a judge who controls their freedom. How might you show Jesus’ tenderness toward people in everyday situations that will open dialogue?
Closing prayer
Lord Jesus, you truly are the way maker, miracle worker, promise keeper, and light in the darkness. You are worthy of my love and devotion.
*’Way Maker,’ Sinach, 2015
Book and Author Intros
Extras
Click here to sign up to receive the EXTRAs via email each quarter.
© 2024 Scripture Union U.S.A. All rights reserved. Reproduction of the whole or any part of the contents without written permission is prohibited.
Discovery is published in the USA under license from Scripture Union England and Wales, Trinity House, Opal Court, Opal Drive, Fox Milne, Milton Keynes, MK15 0DF.