What Are You Expecting (Part I)

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Matthew 11:2-3 John the Baptist, who was in prison, heard about all the things the Messiah was doing. So he sent his disciples to ask Jesus, “Are you the Messiah we’ve been expecting, or should we keep looking for someone else?”

John had taught about the coming Messiah and the signs, wonders, and miracles He would accomplish. As he was sitting in a cool, damp, prison, John was hoping to discover that Jesus, indeed, was that Messiah. 

But Jesus responded to this question in a different way than John had hoped. Jesus sent the messengers to tell John that the blind see (Isaiah 29:18, 35:5), the lame walk (Isaiah 35:6, 61:1), the lepers are healed (Isaiah 61:1), the deaf hear (Isaiah 29:18, 35:5), the dead are raised (implied in Isaiah 11:1-2), and  the Good News is preached to the poor (Isaiah 61:1-2). Knowing the Old Testament very well, John would’ve understood that these six signs of the Messiah’s coming were being fulfilled. But John was expecting a seventh sign – the captives would be set free (Isaiah 61:1). Jesus left this one out. It was a not-so-subtle way of telling John that Jesus was not going to meet John’s expectation of being set free from prison.

READING & PRAYERS:

     MATTHEW 11:2-19 (also read the commentary notes in your Study Bible of choice.)

QUESTION: Have you ever found yourself thinking that God serves as your personal assistant and you expected Him to do something specific for you? What are some of the dangers of living in this way? 

REAL LIFE PRACTICE: Slow down to be with Jesus a few times daily. Spend time in prayer and quiet yourself so that you listen intently for His whisper and direction.

Take a Step: This week, continue to utilize the One Minute Pause app at least twice daily to begin practicing being with God and resting in His presence. The app is free, and is available on iPhone and Android devices. See pauseapp.com for details.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I confess that there are many times when I’m more prayerful that You will accomplish my will instead of me praying that Your will be done. Continue to transform my thoughts so that I seek out Your will above all else. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

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