December 12th - Reflection

Third Sunday of Advent
Matthew 11:2-11 (NRSV)
The forerunner of Christ


When John heard in prison what the Messiah was doing, he sent word by his disciples and said to him, "Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?" Jesus answered them, "Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have good news brought to them. And blessed is anyone who takes no offense at me."

As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: "What did you go out into the wilderness to look at? A reed shaken by the wind? What then did you go out to see? Someone dressed in soft robes? Look, those who wear soft robes are in royal palaces. What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written,
'See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you,
who will prepare your way before you.'

Truly I tell you, among those born of women no one has arisen greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.

Reflection
John is a prophet, yet more than and Old Testament prophet. John not only was announcing the coming of the Messiah, he was the messenger of the Messiah preparing his way. So John wasn't just telling about someone to come in some distant future, John was announcing the immediate arrival of the Messiah.

So as John remains in prison, I can imagine him wanting to know...Is Jesus the Messiah? You see, John knew what the message was to be, but really wasn't sure of who the Messiah was to be. So John sends some disciples to find out.

I wonder if John, knowing that Jesus was doing wondrous works, expected Jesus to release him from prison? But John, wouldn't expect the Messiah to bring an easy life, I don't think. After all, he was used to living it rough. He spoke out against those who lived the warm, fluffy, easy life. So maybe prison is what John expected. Maybe John expected a revolution of sorts, but Jesus didn't seem to be heading in this direction either. So I can understand John's questions and curiosity.

John was a prophet of the old covenant. A prophet that spanned the gap between the old covenant and the coming new covenant. So Jesus declares John to be the greatest yet the least. Things were about to change, from old covenant to new covenant in the life of Jesus.

This Advent, things are about to change for you and me also. As we search the Word and reflect on the issues and happenings of those days long ago, Jesus applies these same concepts to our days today and to our lives and to our hearts. We hear the announcement of a coming Messiah. Fulfilled in you and me today and yet to be fulfilled in God's ultimate glory. Prepare yourself...repent...be baptized...He's coming! Thanks be to God!

Prayer
Lord, as we shout out into this cold sinful world, may our words be your Word and may the people heed the coming of the Messiah. --- Amen