In today’s gospel (Matthew 11:2-11), we hear Saint John the Baptist from his prison cell inquiring whether Jesus was indeed the long awaited Messiah – the Savior sent from God.
It’s interesting that this is the same John who a short while before confidently proclaimed Jesus as Lord and Savior – “the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world”.
So why the sudden loss of confidence? Why the doubt?
The simple answer might be that John was human. The reality of his imprisonment and the brutal treatment that went with that, coupled with knowledge of the fate that awaited him might have been enough to shake John’s faith – to shake anyone’s faith.
So what did John do? Another simple answer. John “went” to Jesus. John sent his disciples to ask Jesus if he was the one, the Messiah promised by God. And I’m sure that John was comforted when he received word back that Jesus was indeed the Savior who had come into the world.
Saint John’s experience can be the same for us.
We all have moments where our faith is shaken by unexpected events or contradictions. In these cases, we must do as John did. We must go to Jesus. And if we do, Jesus will comfort us and give us the assurance we need.
It is interesting that Jesus did not answer John’s question directly. Rather, Jesus recites a litany of the good works he has performed – the same works attributed to the Messiah by the prophets.
And this again can be the same for us.
Rarely does Jesus provide a “direct” answer. More of the time he wants us to find the assurance we need by observing the wonders of God – the great works that he does in our lives and in the world. When we come to see how our lives and the lives of others have been so thoroughly graced by our loving and compassionate God, our faith and trust can be renewed.
And there is another thing in this gospel worthy of our attention – Jesus tells John’s disciples to “go and tell John what you hear and see”.
And this message from Christ is the same for us.
Jesus calls each of us to be prophetic messengers of hope and assurance for those around us. Jesus calls us to tell others what we “hear and see”, to tell others about how God works in our lives, to tell others about the relationship we have with Christ, to tell others what joy and peace we find in our Savior. Jesus wants us to help others come to know and love him so that they too can experience his joy and peace. Jesus wants us to help others achieve the fullness of life that God intends for all of his children.
So we go forward as prophets in our world. And if we stumble or are in need of assurance we go to Jesus. And then we bring Jesus to anyone else who needs him.