And blessed is he who is not offended because of Me.” – Matthew 11:6
John the Baptist is in prison. | WATCH ON YOUTUBE
John had openly rebuked Herod for having lured his sister-in-law away from her husband and then marrying her. And that landed him in the dungeons. While in prison, John hears of the many deeds of Jesus. He sends two of his disciples with the question “are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?” John who had clearly recognised Jesus as the Messiah earlier, seems to be having a moment of doubt.
Jesus responds to this query by telling the disciples to go and report to John all that they have seen and heard. Jesus wanted to reassure both John and his disciples that He indeed was the Messiah. And yet, He also reminds them that His power would be displayed in humble acts of service, meeting individual needs rather than in spectacular displays of political deliverance.
Jesus’ ministry was contrary to the expectations of the people. To the people who longed for deliverance from Roman tyranny, the focus of Jesus’ ministry was offensive. They could not understand why Jesus would not do more? But Jesus reminds that there is blessing for those who were not offended because the Messiah, who came against the expectation of the people.
John was quick to recover his faith in Jesus. “Blessed is he who can be left in prison, can be silenced in his testimony, can seem to be deserted of his Lord, and yet can shut out every doubt. John speedily regained this blessedness, and fully recovered his serenity.” (Spurgeon)
When things don’t go the way you expect or the answers to your prayers come packaged differently, are you easily offended or are you able to trust Him still?
Lord for grace and faith to trust you even when your ways are different, I pray.
Extended Reading – Matthew 11
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This was beautiful Admin. Thank you for your reflections.