2010 Advent-Christmas-Epiphany Devotions

THIRD WEEK OF ADVENT
Rachel Russell

Light three candles of the Advent Wreath

Read Matthew 11:2-11

I can imagine the crowd around Jesus, and his disciples, being very quiet at the first part of this story. Disciples of John the Baptist have come to Jesus and asked him outright, “Are you the one?” The one who will deliver them from the Romans, who will make Israel rich, who will bring justice—or some other “one”. I imagine that all the listeners around Jesus went very still. Was it time to arise with cheers? Was it time to hide from trouble?

So Jesus tells them to describe what they see and hear. The blind can see. Those “with feeble knees” can walk. The poor have good news. Don’t be horrified or shocked—offended—says Jesus. Be blessed.

I can imagine John’s disciples sighing because this wasn’t a yes or no answer. Except that to the listening Jews who knew the scriptures, it was a pretty clear answer if you had ears to hear and eyes to see. God brings healing, like making a desert bloom.

So John’s disciples go away and Jesus sees the still crowd around him. This is a big moment. These are his people now, confused and hopeful. They are wondering, “Who is John the Baptist that Jesus answers his question?” Perceiving in his heart all their questions and uncertainties, Jesus pulls the answers from them. He knows that nearly all his followers went to the desert to see John and to be baptized. “What did you see?” he asks them.

Probably the crowd is still quiet. Maybe they remember the strange desert man, half-dressed, with such a burning passion for change, for transformation. Okay, says Jesus to their scared silence, Did you see someone who would change his mind if threatened with death? Now no doubt there were a few chuckles from the crowd, maybe a few shouts of no. Heads shook. Okay, says Jesus, so you saw someone dressed in soft clothes, someone rich. Now the laughter is louder. That’s not what they saw. Jesus asks a third time, “So what did you see?”

To which no doubt the crowd shouted back, “A prophet!”

Yes, says Jesus. A prophet and more, one who prepares the Holy Way for God’s people, a man to honor and respect. John deserves all the praise they want to give him, and deserves Jesus answering his questions; yet if anyone else had asked, Jesus would have answered the same. He didn’t answer for John’s sake. He answered for our sake.

Who is the one with the power to heal the blind, the deaf, the lame, and the mute?

Prayer
O joyful people of God
prepare to dance with upraised arms,
strong legs,
loud and joyful shouts of praise!

O joyful people of God
prepare to sing and share
what Jesus did,
what was
seen and heard!

Next - Fourth Week of Advent >>

Updated March 13, 2011