From the Morning Scriptures

John’s disciples told him about all these things. Calling two of them, he sent them to the Lord to ask, “Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?” When the men came to Jesus, they said, “John the Baptist sent us to you to ask, ‘Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?’ ” At that very time Jesus cured many who had diseases, sicknesses and evil spirits, and gave sight to many who were blind. So he replied to the messengers, “Go back and report to John what you have seen and heard: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.”

–Luke 7:18-23 (TNIV)

Pay attention to Jesus’ response to John’s disciples in today’s lesson. Jesus doesn’t appeal to wishful thinking or sentimentality nor does he offer promises about who he is. Instead he appeals to the cold, hard facts of his ministry. In effect, Jesus says to us, “See for yourselves if you have questions about me or my ministry. My actions speak louder than anything I can tell you.” Jesus concludes his response on a gracious note. He tells John’s disciples that he does not wish anyone to stumble on his account. Jesus is willing to offend when necessary (because he loves us and wants the best for each of us) but he does not want discouragement and doubt to trap us.

Notice too how Jesus uses a cascading order of his deeds. He starts with healing the blind and then finishes by referring to his raising the dead and proclaiming the Good News to the poor. How remarkable that Jesus puts the Good News ahead of raising the dead in terms of mighty acts of power! In responding this way, Jesus reminded John (and us) that these were the things that Scripture predicted about the Messiah. This also gives us insight into Jesus’ economy as well as the Kingdom’s. How does this stack up with your own economy?

All this reminds us of God’s amazing love for us. He does not foist or force himself on us. He asks us to use his gifts of reason and senses to assess who he is, and he gives us plenty of data with which to make our assessment of him. He insists that we decide about him. Is that not the only real way we can come to see the value (or not) in someone or something?

The next time you have questions about Christ, open your eyes, your ears, and your mind to examine the record. You will not be disappointed. In fact, if you come to Jesus with an open heart and mind, and with honest questions, he will answer you in ways that will continue to blow your mind all the days of your life (and on through eternity).