Bible In A Year | Read: Matthew 11
1 After Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he went on from there to teach and preach in the towns of Galilee. 2 When John, who was in prison, heard about the deeds of the Messiah, he sent his disciples 3 to ask him, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?” 4 Jesus replied, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see: 5 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. 6 Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.” Matthew 11:1-6
Two things. First, John the Baptist is in jail and needs encouragement. Jesus reaches out to him to confirm that, yes, Jesus is everything that John expected of the Messiah. Remember that when you are discouraged and ask God for help.
Second, Jesus does something very interesting. Jesus quotes from Isaiah where Isaiah describes what the Messiah will do—and He does all the things Isaiah declares the Messiah will do—except one. He does not set the captive free as described in Isaiah 61. He does not set John free. This is exactly what John wanted Jesus to do. There are times when God does everything to confirm His love for us—except the one thing we want Him to do.
What does Jesus say instead? Blessed is the person who does not get offended by what Jesus does. God is not required to do everything we ask. God can decide whether our request is best—and sometimes He says no—and chooses not to give a reason why. In these situations, how do we respond?
Even John the Baptist struggles with the fact that Jesus isn’t acting the way he expected the Messiah to act, but Jesus reminds him of his miracles. Jesus denounces some towns on what may seem like a strange basis. He gives an example of towns that were notorious for evil, like Tyre and Sidon, and says they will fare better on judgment day than Jewish towns that have rejected Jesus. From God’s perspective, it’s not the ones who do the most evil that are the worst off; it’s the ones who reject God’s forgiveness even though they should know better.
We need to view things as God does. Our highest priority should be helping people who have not received God’s forgiveness receive it, not trying to turn back a tide of evil.
Time to pray
Father, I know that You have the best perspective on our life. It is hard to see some prayers not answered when I know that they are good prayers, answering a good need and prayers in line with Your promises. It is hard to see them not answered. Still, I know that You see things I do not see. Help me not to get offended by Your answers. Help me to trust You anyway. Help me to bless Your name anyway. Help me to know that You are doing the best for me. In Jesus’ name I pray Amen.
Action Step
What is God showing me? What am I going to do about it?
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