Advent-Christmas Devotions
Saturday, December 13
Matthew 11:2-11
2 When John heard in prison what the Messiah was doing, he sent word by his disciples 3 and said to him, “Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?” 4 Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: 5 the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, those with a skin disease are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have good news brought to them. 6 And blessed is anyone who takes no offense at me.”
7 As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to look at? A reed shaken by the wind? 8 What, then, did you go out to see? Someone dressed in soft robes? Look, those who wear soft robes are in royal palaces. 9 What, then, did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 10 This is the one about whom it is written,
‘See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you,
who will prepare your way before you.’
11 “Truly I tell you, among those born of women no one has arisen greater than John the Baptist, yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.”
“… “Go and tell John what you hear and see: …”
As I look at the congregations in the community where I live, I see various ministries that impact people. Many of the churches offer programs to assist the needy with food, shelter, and clothing. Others work with care facilities providing visitation, services, and volunteers. Some offer children’s ministries such as afterschool programs, preschools, and childcare. All proclaim the Word through weekly worship, prayer groups, and bible studies. In short, judging by what I see and hear in the community, the congregations are witnessing to the work and ministry of Jesus.
Unfortunately, I also hear of infighting, conflict, and animosity among members. I see congregations being exclusive, either outright denying or making it uncomfortable for outsiders to gain entrance into the life of the congregations. I see others barring some based on gender identity, political affiliation, and racial distinctions. Rather than seeing and hearing the church doing ministry in Jesus’ name, I find another effort at work.
John’s question to Jesus is appropriate: Are you the One to come or should we wait for another? Jesus’ response asks John’s disciples to see with their eyes and hear with their ears what’s happening, then decide. In this age, we might ask the same thing of the congregations of which were are a part. What to do folks hear and what do they see? The coming of the Anointed One? Or are they seeing and hearing something else?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, you call us to life in congregations so that the world may hear and see You. Inspire us by Your Spirit so that we may give witness to Your work and ministry in the world. Amen.