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 mighty things has God done in your life and the lives of those around you? We need to be able to point to the tangible difference Jesus makes in our lives — both for our own faith and for the faith of those around us.
In this Gospel text, Jesus names a number of concrete changes that have taken place through his ministry: the blind see, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor receive good news. These changes are evidence of God's power in Jesus.
Jesus tells us that we will do even greater things than he did when we receive the Holy Spirit (John 14:12). Pause today and name one way the Holy Spirit has brought about healing, reconciliation, comfort, justice, forgiveness, and hope in your life and in the lives of those around you. Tell someone else!
Prayer
Mighty God, give us eyes to see the amazing things you are doing in and through our lives. Give us ears to hear the words you are speaking to us and to the world. Amen.