The One

When John, 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?” Matt.11: 2-3

Arrested, imprisoned, discouraged and in doubt John the Baptizer sends messengers to ask Jesus: “Are you the one who is to come or should we expect someone else?” Instead of saying yes or no Jesus points to the signs of restoration that is taking place. The blind, deaf, lame and lepers are being healed and good news proclaimed to the poor. Jesus’ response echoes the oracle, of restoration of the land to fertility, an end to human suffering and infirmity, restoration of hope and justice recorded in Isaiah 35.

At the outset of his ministry John seems very confident that Jesus is the one who is to come. So do you find his question at best a bit puzzling? I do. What could be the reason? Among the possible reasons is expectation and fulfillment.

Do you notice that even as the forerunner proclaims the kingdom of God, he remains on its threshold? Why do I say so? Judging from his preaching, John expects a Messiah to come with fire and brimstone, with winnowing fork in hand to exercise judgment. However, from his vantage point in Herod’s dungeon, he hears and sees one who brings forgiveness, healing, and mercy; one who favours mercy above sacrifice (see Matt. 9:13; 12:7). Clearly this one did not fit the expectations.

The question is still being asked. Is Jesus the One? Is this a Messiah we can live with? Do we really like a Jesus who comes to forgive, shows mercy, calls even the unrighteous to repentance? Are we really satisfied with “ONE” who loves sinners while rejecting their sin? Can we handle a Messiah who welcomes the ragamuffins of society; the social outcasts, the political revolutionaries, and women and men of questionable character as well as the citizens of good standing and the religious, social and political conservatives? Think of the parables of the unforgiving servant (18:23-35) or the laborers in the vineyard (20:1-16). Maybe this is the kind of surprise that none of us can live with. Is He the one we are looking for or the one we need?

How great a promise does God hold out for you and me this Advent season? This incident suggests a promise so great that even the least person in the kingdom of God is greater than John. It is a pledge so grand and far-reaching that even the great forerunner of the Messiah can miss it as he looks for the mercy and justice of God through tinted lenses, and so risks missing the kingdom when it comes. Is Jesus of Nazareth the one we need?

I say YES! When we experience the "blessing" of God’s love and mercy in our lives; when we experience God’s forgiveness and the peace that passeth all understanding; when we look at the death and mayhem around us and can confidently declare that God is still in control; when the Advent expectation is still fresh in our hearts and minds and when our vision and hope are transformed and we can declare that the best is yet to come then we can say: Yes! Jesus is the one who is to come and we do not have to look for any other Messiah.

Thought: In his actions and teachings does Jesus meet my expectations?
Prayer Focus: To allow the Gospel to change me and not to change the gospel to suit me.