When the men came to Jesus, they said, “John the Baptist sent us to you to ask, ‘Are you the one who is 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.” After John’s messengers left, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swayed by the wind? If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear expensive clothes and indulge in luxury are in palaces. But what 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: “‘I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.’ “I tell you, among those born of women there is no one greater than John; yet the one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.” Luke 7:20-28 New International Version (NIV) John the Baptist knew God. He was sent by God to prepare the way for Jesus. He baptized the Lord at His request, claiming to be unworthy to even tie His sandal straps (Mark 1:7-8) and he even witnessed to the people of the Holy Spirit. Yet, as John languished in prison awaiting what would be his earthly fate, he began to wonder and sought confirmation from Jesus. John had spent his entire life serving the purpose God put on his life, but because John was human, he had trouble understanding this part. Life does that to us. When things don't happen quite as we expect, no matter how well we serve God, we begin to doubt. That is why it takes faith to believe God. And it takes faith to please Him. Believers today have had lots of time and help to assist us as we attempt to digest the mysteries of God. The people at the time of this Scripture had no idea that God was sending His Son to save the whole world. Those who believed in the God of Israel saw the coming Messiah the prophets spoke of as someone God was sending to save only them from oppression. Even those who truly knew, trusted and served God had no idea of the Big Picture of salvation for everyone. With all the information we have available today, we still aren't always so certain either. We don't know everything and we won't know until all is revealed to us by God. What those who accept Christ as Lord and Savior do know is that He is for us and we all have a testimony to confirm that. Creation confirms God's sovereignty. The Holy Spirit confirms it and guides us safely through life as we wait for Jesus to return and finish His work of establishing God's Kingdom. For now, we must just believe it. With all that God has done for us, can we agree that we have no better offer?
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