To Jesus: Are you the one who is to come?

Matthew 11:2 - 6 When John [the Baptist], who was in prison, heard about the deeds of the Messiah, he sent his disciples to ask him, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?”

Jesus replied, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.”

Isn't it interesting the number of times that Jesus gives an indirect answer to a question? Jesus answered in ways that caused thought, analysis, commitment. This is a perfect example. John's disciples asked if Jesus was the one for whom John was making the way. John was in prison and wanted to know for certain. He wasn't in a position where HE could ask.

The answer that Jesus gave would prove to John and anyone else who knew prophesy to conclude for themselves who Jesus was. Jesus answered in a way that caused analysis. The hearers had to evaluate the evidence then make a choice. Oftentimes, Jesus provoked and promoted the disciples and others to make their own decisions about who Jesus was. He never demanded that people just believe or blindly believe who He was. He provided evidence and let people decide.

That's how God works. He never demands our allegiance. He never forces us to do anything. God provides us with everything we need to make decisions on our own. He lets us have complete responsibility for who we follow. We have free will. We can acknowledge God or not. We are free to have God's peace or not. It is really unfair when we charge God with being unjust, unloving, unfaithful. It is our responsibility to make the choice. God gave that choice and freewill to us.

What do you choose? Who do you say Jesus is?

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