DAILY READING
REFLECTION
Questions with Answers
by Judy Webb
"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?'”
(Matthew 11:2-3)
Jesus really had his work cut out for him. It is understandable that the Jews and Gentiles didn’t understand Jesus’ mission on earth. It would be natural for the ordinary man to expect a powerful soldier to rescue them from Roman captivity. They were watching for someone to shake things up in a physical way, with sword and strong armies. Reading verse 2 and 3, I was disappointed that John didn’t get it either. During a moment of weakness, after his extended prison stay, he began to question things. He was human after all.
I realize that John wasn’t weak in faith, he just needed a little bit of encouragement after his lengthy imprisonment. He was ready to give his life for Jesus, he made that very clear, but being human, he probably was hoping for a reprieve. Much like you or I would in similar circumstances, he kept on hoping. When we are suffering, our mind can play tricks on us. These times were also perfect occasions for Satan to begin prowling around in John’s head.
Jesus never doubted John the Baptist heart. He understood what was happening with his cousin and he sent word back to him. Jesus loved John and embraced his questions with understanding. We can also find ourselves questioning why bad things happen to us. We too might question when Jesus will act. But we can take comfort from the fact that Jesus welcomes our questions and will grow our faith from these situations.
PRAYER
Jesus, thank you for how you love us even through our struggles and challenges. Help us to see you working even through our pain. Teach us how to pray our way through all tragedies and trials. Amen.
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