John the Messenger

Once again I will work from the pamphlet, "at home in the word" , advent readings following the lectionary from the Reformed Church in America. Today's Reading is taken from Matthew 11:2-11. Once again I have gone with a somewhat longer selection than advised.

1When Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he went on from there to teach and preach in their cities.

2 Now when John heard in prison about the deeds of the Christ, he sent word by his disciples 3and said to him, "Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?" 4And Jesus answered them, "Go and tell John what you hear and see: 5 the blind receive their sight and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them. 6And blessed is the one who is not offended by me."

7As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds concerning John: "What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? 8What then did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing? Behold, those who wear soft clothing are in kings’ houses. 9What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 10This is he of whom it is written,

"'Behold, I send my messenger before your face,

who will prepare your way before you.'

11Truly, I say to you, among those born of women there has arisen no one greater than John the Baptist. Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. 12 From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force. 13 For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John, 14and if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah who is to come. 15 He who has ears to hear, let him hear.

16"But to what shall I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling to their playmates,
17"'We played the flute for you, and you did not dance;
we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn.'

18For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, 'He has a demon.' 19The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, 'Look at him! A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!' Yet wisdom is justified by her deeds."

I have to admit, I read this passage over and my very first thought was....what does this have to do with Christmas? Nothing makes me think of the promises of God, or the birth of Christ, or his eventual return or _______. So why was this picked as an advent reading?

And then I re-read these verses:

2 Now when John heard in prison about the deeds of the Christ, he sent word by his disciples 3and said to him, "Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?" 4And Jesus answered them, "Go and tell John what you hear and see: 5 the blind receive their sight and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them. 6And blessed is the one who is not offended by me."

John was the forerunner to Christ. He was imprisoned because of the things he was telling folks and the powers that be didn't like that. He wanted reassurance that Christ had indeed come, and Jesus gave it to him. The Saviour of the world had come, and he was busy doing his Father's business.

And then Jesus went on to explain how John was a messenger from God. He was the one sent to prepare people for the coming of Christ. People should pay attention to him, for he is doing the job he was supposed to. As Jesus says "He who has ears to hear, let him hear".

So what am I listening to this Christmas season?
Am I listening for the words of Christ?
Am I trying to tell people what this season is really all about?

Christ came folks! He came, he died, he rose again, he will come back! :) Praise the Lord for this. It's real and true. Even as a baby people knew he was important. God sent a great messenger to proclaim his way. He performed miracles, he lives in hearts of believers, he is indeed God. Let's proclaim it this season! :)