2When John, who was in prison, heard about the deeds of the Messiah, he sent his disciples
3to ask him, "Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?"
4Jesus replied, "Go back and report to John what you hear and see:
- P46
Jesus sends off His disciples and goes to preach in the towns of Galilee. Johnthe Baptist, who is in prison, sends his disciples to Jesus to ask if He is the Oneto come. Jesus points to His works of healing and preaching as an answer.
He then praises John as being the messenger sent before the Messiah andrebukes those who reject both John and Himself. - P47
While John the Baptist is in prison, he sends his disciples to confirm whether Jesus is the true Messiah. Rather than directly affirming His messiahship, Jesus offers proof through His ministry: the blind see, the lame walk, the deaf hear, and the Good News is being proclaimed to the poor. - P48
John may feel discouraged in prison, but he can be strengthened by the testimonies of what his disciples have seen and heard Jesus do. This is encouraging for believers who are struggling today: Our faith can be strengthened as we seek Jesus and see what He has done both in Scripture and from the testimonies of fellow believers who have been blessed through encounters with Him. - P48
Many have failed to recognize the true identity of John the Baptist andJesus. They judge both harshly, saying that John has a demon and Jesus isa glutton and drunkard who is friends with sinners. However, Jesus shareswith the crowd who John the Baptist really is. - P48
Those who are willing tolisten will recognize that John is the prophesied Elijah who has come toprepare the way for the Messiah. Yet Jesus also says that the person who isleast in the kingdom of heaven is greater than John. We are blessed to bemembers of the new covenant by grace through faith. - P-1
We, too, have theprivilege of proclaiming Jesus, testifying about Him more clearly than Johnever could. - P48
Heavenly Father, thank You that I can always turn to You when I face discouragement and doubt. Help me overcome my unbelief and remind me of the Good News of Your Son, Jesus Christ. In His name I pray, amen. - P48
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