Luke 7:18-23 | James 2:14-18
This is an important passage.
John the Baptist has a question for Jesus. Remember: John had already declared Jesus to be the Lamb of God. He had baptized him. He knew who he was.
But he has a question: “Are you the one?”
Jesus’ response can’t be overstated.
His first response was nonverbal. He didn’t say a word. Try and picture it: John’s disciples ask the question. Jesus looks at them, turns around, and heals a bunch of people. What a statement! A statement by action.
How many people would have chosen words instead? Or at least in the first place?
“Yes, of course I AM.” Or
“Watch this.” Or
“Just go back and tell John to be patient.” Or
…any number of things to try and convince them.
But Jesus, being Jesus, turned around and spoke through those very things he said he came to do.
What an example for us!
Luke 7:18-23
John’s disciples informed him about all these things. John called two of his disciples and sent them to the Lord. They were to ask him, “Are you the one who is coming, or should we look for someone else?”
When they reached Jesus, they said, “John the Baptist sent us to you. He asks, ‘Are you the one who is coming, or should we look for someone else?’”
Right then, Jesus healed many of their diseases, illnesses, and evil spirits, and he gave sight to a number of blind people. Then he replied to John’s disciples, “Go, report to John what you have seen and heard. Those who were blind are able to see. Those who were crippled now walk. People with skin diseases are cleansed. Those who were deaf now hear. Those who were dead are raised up. And good news is preached to the poor. Happy is anyone who doesn’t stumble along the way because of me.”
James 2:14-18
My brothers and sisters, what good is it if people say they have faith but do nothing to show it? Claiming to have faith can’t save anyone, can it? Imagine a brother or sister who is naked and never has enough food to eat. What if one of you said, “Go in peace! Stay warm! Have a nice meal!”? What good is it if you don’t actually give them what their body needs? In the same way, faith is dead when it doesn’t result in faithful activity.
Someone might claim, “You have faith and I have action.” But how can I see your faith apart from your actions? Instead, I’ll show you my faith by putting it into practice in faithful action.
Prayer
God,
Help us to be a people of action. There are so many words today, so many messages. Proofs, textbooks, articles, speeches, petitions, arguments, logic, philosophy - all things based upon ideas and words.
But so often…so little action.
Help us to be a people of action.
By your spirit & in Christ,
Amen.