[11:1] After Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he went on from there to teach and preach in the towns of Galilee.*
[2] When John heard in prison what Christ was doing, he sent his disciples [3] to ask him, “Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?”
[4] Jesus replied, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see: [5] The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy* are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor. [6] Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me.”
[7] As John's disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: “What did you go out into the desert to see? A reed swayed by the wind? [8] If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear fine clothes are in kings’ palaces. [9] Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. [10] This is the one about whom it is written:
“‘I will send my messenger ahead of you,
who will prepare your way before you.’*
[11] I tell you the truth: Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. [12] From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it. [13] For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John. [14] And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come. [15] He who has ears, let him hear.
[2] When John heard in prison what Christ was doing, he sent his disciples [3] to ask him, “Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?”
[4] Jesus replied, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see: [5] The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy* are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor. [6] Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me.”
[7] As John's disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: “What did you go out into the desert to see? A reed swayed by the wind? [8] If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear fine clothes are in kings’ palaces. [9] Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. [10] This is the one about whom it is written:
“‘I will send my messenger ahead of you,
who will prepare your way before you.’*
[11] I tell you the truth: Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. [12] From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it. [13] For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John. [14] And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come. [15] He who has ears, let him hear.
It is helpful to know that between yesterday's reading and today's, Jesus visited Jerusalem.(see John 2:13- 4:3)
ReplyDeleteThe advance of the kingdom was preceded by John the Baptist ministry of preparation. Then John was forcefully taken out of the picture and imprisoned by Herod Antipas. Jesus'' presentation of the kingdom to the Jews at Jerusalem was rejected.
Upon his return to Galilee, he could truly say that the kingdom had "suffered violence" (KJV) and only those who believed and we're determined (forceful) would receive it.
No jumping on the bandwagon with the kingdom of heaven!
Brian Lockett.
John the Baptist did preach a message of ' preparing the way' for kingdom teaching but I have often wondered why he seemed to doubt Jesus' coming when he had his disciples go and ask Jesus if he really was 'the one'. Did he suppose Jesus would have prevented him from being imprisoned?
ReplyDeleteAlso, since he was the Elijah to come, why wasn't there more written of him in comparison to what was written of Elijah?
Not doubting...just wondering...
Gerry
I was struck by Jesus saying "Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me.” It seems to be in the context of the signs that accompanied Him.
ReplyDeleteDave Fox
"Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of Me" was the same verse that struck me yesterday. Thanks Dave, Sylvia
ReplyDeleteIt is interesting that to John's disciples Jesus does not answer directly. He simply said, "tell what you see and hear." If Jesus was bringing the Kingdom of Heaven then He told these that by the evidence one can tell.
ReplyDeleteSometimes, over the last 40 years, I have asked myself, could we, could christians, could churches say the same thing? Would people know we are part of the Kingdom of Heaven by what they see and hear? We all know the church is not a perfect place. People make mistakes. The question though still lingers.
Dan McGuire