Today’s reading begins with John the Baptist languishing in jail wondering whether Jesus was really the One to come (Math. 11:3). In some ways, this is quite surprising, since he was the great prophet of God who prepared the way for Israel’s long-expected Messiah. But in other ways, it is not surprising. His doubts reveal two truths to me that we all need to reckon with.
John’s Humanity, Our Humanity
First of all, it reveals John’s humanity. Despite being a great prophet, we see that his present circumstances of imprisonment generate thoughts and emotions within him that we can all relate to. The wind doesn’t always seem to be at our backs. We all experience trials and tribulations where it seems like the burden of life is too great. In those times, we may wonder where God is or waver in the trustworthiness of His promises.
John reveals what we need to do in such circumstances. We need to go to the Lord with our situations and questions. John sends some of his disciples to Jesus and asks him directly whether He is the One to come. Jesus answers his question. And then he tells the people around him that there has not risen among those born of women anyone greater than John (Math. 11:11). The Lord knows that we all have clay feet and He deals with us according to His mercy and grace.
The second reason why John had doubts was that the true Messiah came in a way that was much different than popular messianic expectations. First-century Jews expected the Messiah to be more like Mel Gibson’s Braveheart. Instead they had Jesus coming as a teacher, preacher and healer. Instead of destroying the occupying Roman Gentiles, he was healing the servant of a Roman centurion. And we are going to see that on Palm Sunday, instead of riding into Jerusalem on a warhorse, Jesus will be riding on a young donkey.
God’s Kingdom Comes In 2 Stages
When our expectations of how the Lord should work don’t align with God’s values and expectations, we may miss completely how he actually is working in our midst. It is interesting in the way Jesus responded to John’s question whether he really was the One to come. He said to the messengers: Go tell John what you hear and see: “The blind receive sight, the lame walk, lepers are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor” (11:5). In other words, “tell John that the blessings of the age to come are breaking in through my Person and ministry. This is a foretaste of what God’s Kingdom will look like when it fully comes.”
In the meantime, there is a hiddenness to how God’s kingdom is presently being manifested. The Parables of God’s kingdom in Mathew 13 reveal the nature of God’s Kingdom in the here and now, between Christ’s first and second comings. Jesus teaches that it grows in responsive human hearts to God’s word (the Parable of the Sower – Math. 13:1-23). And even though it doesn’t presently seem impressive, one day it will be manifested throughout the earth (the Parables of the Mustard Seed and the Yeast – Math. 13:31-33). The full manifestation of God’s Kingdom on earth will not occur until Christ’s second coming.
In the meantime, we are to respond in faith and obedience to the humble sowing of God’s word in our hearts. We can rest assured that God is fulfilling His good purposes in our lives, even when it is difficult to perceive that He is at work. We are to come to Jesus as our Sabbath rest. He is the fulfillment of God’s Law and Prophets. All of God’s promises point to him and receive a resounding “Yes!” and “Amen!” in him.
Contemplate these life-giving words of Jesus in Math. 11:28-30 : “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light”. These are encouraging words from the Lord to us today. Let us embrace them fully. On this Palm Sunday, let us wholeheartedly welcome King Jesus into the city of our lives. May the joy of the Lord be your strength today.
QOTD: Are you fully resting in the Lord of the Sabbath, the Lord Jesus?
7 Comments
I absolutely love this 52 day journey. When I read 5 chapters at once, I am amazed at how “different” the message from God is! One of my favourite verses is in Matthew 11:28-30. I truly believe that God is wooing His followers right now. He is showing us that nothing is more important that being his His Word and in His presence.
Hi Sharlene. Yes, when we read larger portions of Scripture, we can see the themes being developed by the biblical author. it can be very edifying when God’s Spirit reveals the connections to us.
Such a rich section of scripture. Very inspiring. Thanks for the explanations Pastor John. It helps so much.
I am thinking that in these chapters the key point is faith. And likely in the whole New Testament. At every turn Jesus really demands faith in a person. Am I right to see that Jesus did not have much patience for fools? He would do everything to present the free gift of salvation to a town or person. But I think he did not belabour it. If they did not repent and accept he shook the dirt off his feet and moved on to try to save someone who was more open to the word. Who had not hardened their hearts.
I am so thankful my eyes were opened. Thank you Jesus.
Hi Gale. I agree that a major purpose of the Gospel writers is to increase our faith. The more we learn and understand the Lord’s character and ways, the more our trust in Him will grow.
Very good Charlene. Your scripture choice is an amazing blessing. Matthew 11:28-30. John and I were just saying that in this virus ridden world we see God all over it. Many many people are looking deep inside themselves because of the situation. Many who may not have looked inside themselves for a long time. We think many will be saved.
We are loving the 52 day plan also. I read aloud for John and I as he cannot read due to vision problems. So a lot of discussion occurs between us. First night it got a little argumentative. Lol. My fault for not wording a criticism more gently. Lesson learned. Blessings galore.
Your are a blessing Miss Gale. As J. V. McGee would say we are on the Bible bus on a 52 day journey. Glad to be on it with you.
Ah. Thank you Louise. We all do what we can. I Vernon McGee. I used to listen to him all the time when driving. Through the bible. He was wonderful. These days I am not out in vehicle very much. And do not play radio in the house so I miss him. And you Louise.
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