Matthew 11:2-11 (NRSV)
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Verse 2When John heard in prison what the Messiah was doing, he sent word by his disciples Verse 3and said to him, "Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?" Verse 4Jesus answered them, "Go and tell John what you hear and see: Verse 5the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have good news brought to them. Verse 6And blessed is anyone who takes no offense at me."
Verse 7As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: "What did you go out into the wilderness to look at? A reed shaken by the wind? Verse 8What then did you go out to see? Someone dressed in soft robes? Look, those who wear soft robes are in royal palaces. Verse 9What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. Verse 10This is the one about whom it is written, 'See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.' Verse 11Truly I tell you, among those born of women no one has arisen greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.
Devotion
“What did you go out to see?” Jesus asks of the crowds who gather to see John the Baptizer. Was it someone weak like a reed shaken in the wind? Was it someone living in a royal palace? No, it was someone nothing like either one. If we once again are anticipating “going out to see” the Christ Child in the manger this Holy Season, what do we expect to see there? Will it be the light shining through the darkness in our troubled world?
Prayer
Giver of every good gift, we give thanks for your light that leads us to be servants of one another and signs of your reign for the world. Amen.