Matthew 11:1-6, Philippians 1:9-11
There are many reasons people look to Jesus and even many more things people expect from or of him. I suppose it’s good for people to look to Jesus for whatever the reason. But we cannot expect just whatever we want from him.
The gospels show us many of Jesus’ followers who had particular expectations of and from him. Sometimes he delivered as asked, but often, he did not. Below, we will read about John the Baptist’s hopes and expectations about the Christ. Take note of the characteristic and action in Jesus’ response.
For the next three days, as we get into the first gospel (Matthew), we’re reading a couple of passages to get a bit of sense of what it is about and who Jesus is in Matthew. This is our hope in seeking Christ - to look for who he was, is, and thus, who we should be.
Matthew 11:1-6
When Jesus finished teaching his twelve disciples, he went on from there to teach and preach in their cities.
Now when John heard in prison about the things the Christ was doing, he sent word by his disciples to Jesus, asking, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?”
Jesus responded, “Go, report to John what you hear and see. Those who were blind are able to see. Those who were crippled are walking. People with skin diseases are cleansed. Those who were deaf now hear. Those who were dead are raised up. The poor have good news proclaimed to them. Happy are those who don’t stumble and fall because of me.”
Philippians 1:9-11
This is my prayer: that your love might become even more and more rich with knowledge and all kinds of insight. I pray this so that you will be able to decide what really matters and so you will be sincere and blameless on the day of Christ. I pray that you will then be filled with the fruit of righteousness, which comes from Jesus Christ, in order to give glory and praise to God.
Prayer:
God, help me to decide what really matters.
There are a lot of messages and demands swirling all around. Some of them seem good and right. And maybe they are. But help me confirm it. Move me to what really matters. Help me find the thing you would have me do today, whether big or seemingly small. And help me receive your grace and energy to go and do it.
By your Spirit and in Christ, Amen.