September 1, 2014 When in Doubt Luke 7:18-35 Read The disciples of John the Baptist told John about everything Jesus was doing. So John called for two of his disciples, and he sent them to the Lord to ask him, Are you the Messiah weve been expecting, or should we keep looking for someone else? Johns two disciples found Jesus and said to him, John the Baptist sent us to ask, Are you the Messiah weve been expecting, or should we keep looking for someone else? At that very time, Jesus cured many people of their diseases, illnesses, and evil spirits, and he restored sight to many who were blind. Then he told Johns disciples, Go back to John and tell him what you have seen and heard—the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, and the Good News is being preached to the poor. And tell him, God blesses those who do not turn away because of me. (Luke 7:18-23) Reflect Of all people, no one fulfilled his God-given purpose better than John. Yet in Gods Kingdom, all who come after John have a greater spiritual heritage because they have clearer knowledge of the purpose of Jesus death and resurrection. John was the last to function like the Old Testament prophets, the last to prepare the people for the coming messianic age. Yet John was confused because the reports he received about Jesus were unexpected and incomplete. Johns doubts were natural, and Jesus didnt rebuke him for having them. Instead, Jesus responded in a way that John would understand: Jesus explained that he had accomplished what the Messiah was supposed to accomplish. The proofs listed here for Jesus being the Messiah are significant. They consist of observable deeds, not theories—actions that Jesus contemporaries saw and reported for us to read today. The prophets had said that the Messiah would do these very acts (see Isaiah 35:5-6; 61:1). These physical proofs helped John—and will help all of us—to recognize who Jesus is. Respond God can handle our doubts, and he welcomes our questions. Do you have questions about Jesus—about who he is or what he expects of you? Admit them to yourself and to God, and begin looking for answers. Only as you face your doubts honestly can you begin to resolve them.
Posted on: Mon, 01 Sep 2014 06:00:46 +0000