THE UNEXPECTED GUEST: Part 3 of 4
MATTHEW 11:2-11
When John the Baptist heard in prison of the works of the Christ, he sent his disciples to Jesus with this question, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?”
Jesus said to them in reply, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind regain their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have the good news proclaimed to them. And blessed is the one who takes no offense at me.”
As they were going off, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John, “What did you go out to the desert to see? A reed swayed by the wind? Then what did you go out to see? Someone dressed in fine clothing? Those who wear fine clothing are in royal palaces. Then why 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: Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you; he will prepare your way before you. Amen, I say to you, among those born of women there has been none greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.”
BACKGROUNDER
Jesus answers a question, “Are you the one who is to come?” This question is asked by disciples of John the Baptist. Contained in this question is the whole history of Israel, the people God chose to be his own. God wishes to reclaim his good creation from the rule of another, the evil one, who is called, “the ruler of the world” (John 14:30).
God’s reign over Israel was disrupted by the very people he had chosen. Over and over again, they failed to trust and to obey God. They neglected the widow, the orphan, and the stranger, they turned to other gods. But God, the Faithful One, kept calling them back through his messengers, the prophets.
John the Baptist is the last prophet, and he has lived his whole life with the expectation of seeing the great day, the coming of God’s Chosen One, the King of Kings, the Messiah. When Jesus answers John’s disciples, he shows that he is the answer to their questions and to everyone’s questions. He tells them of healings which are signs of the restoration of all creation. More than that, the “good news” is proclaimed to the poor. Literally, they hear about the unexpected kingdom, the kingdom of God on earth.
Jesus acknowledges the greatness of John when he says that he is no weakling, no flatterer, that he gains nothing from his mission. And that mission is to be God’s prophet, “and more than a prophet”. Why “more than a prophet”? Because he is the last of the series. Now, the kingdom, the rule of God, is come.
And so great is God’s kingdom, the fulfillment of his rule, that the least member of that community is even greater than John. Why? Once Jesus died on the cross, and rose from the dead, the doors to his kingdom were opened. And then, we could walk in. We could truly accept him as our king, and let him rule in our hearts, changing our lives, and those around us.
Wherever Jesus is in charge, miracles still happen. Lives are changed. Inner wounds are soothed. Relationships healed. Today we are all invited to let Jesus come in: he will change you, he will change everything. And we can also prepare the way, so that others can receive him as their king.