Passage: Matthew 11:1-6
Points
1. John the Baptist, while in prison, sent his disciples to ask Jesus if he was the one or should they look for someone else.
2. Jesus told them to report what they had seen: the blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor.
3. Men, who not fall away because of Jesus, are blessed
Personalize
Doubt can change the direction of our lives. As we look to our future we may begin to doubt if we are dedicated to the right cause or position. We wonder if our efforts were worth the investment or if our hard work was put into the right purpose. John the Baptist had invested his life in preparing others for the coming Messiah. Now he was coming to the end of his ministry and he found himself in prison. In the hard time of imprisonment he begins to reflect on his mission and if it has been accomplished. He now wondered: “Was Jesus the one or should they look for someone else?”
Jesus’ answer comes in the evidence of His ministry: ”The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor.” These signs were confirmation of God’s work in Jesus’ ministry. He was the Messiah and John and his disciples had completed they mission to “prepare the way”. John could live and die knowing his life had counted and his mission was accomplished.
As we look over our shoulder to the past and to the future, we may wonder if we are part of a greater mission. Will our lives count and will we make a difference in the lives of others? The answer will come in the evidence and fruit of our lives. What do people see in us. There will not be great signs of miracles, but there will be evidence of “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, and self-control.” These are all proof of the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives.
Prayer
Lord, may our lives give evidence of Your work in us. In times of questioning, may You affirm your work in us. There are days we will face doubt and discouragement. In those times, may You encourage us with Your presence and the fruit seen in our lives.
