Signs of the Messiah

In the second year of Jesus’ ministry, he is already excommunicated from his hometown Nazareth. John is in prison. Dr. Ron Charles says history records indicate that he is in the house of Herod’s first wife who is his supporter. She allows visitors to meet him and even sends him food from her table.

Is John Confused?

Why is John clarifying if Jesus is Messiah? Did he not say, “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world?" Did he not witness the Holy Spirit on Jesus at baptism?

God’s Secret Wisdom

In 1 Cor 2:7 and 8, Paul says, “7 No, we declare God’s wisdom, a mystery that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began. 8 None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory."

John Reconfirms

Knowing he has limited time, John questions, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?” The question probably implies, “is my work done or is there more to do?”

He Reaffirms

This question can also be a reaffirmation for his disciples whom he is leaving behind.

He Redirects

In the course of this question, he is redirecting his disciples to the Messiah. Andrew and possibly others have already followed Christ. The remaining are still hovering around John.

Christ’s Response

Matt 11:4 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 cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. 6 Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.”

Jesus points to the Messianic prophecy in Isaiah 61:1. He warns them not to trip over the new reality.

The New Reality

In the eyes of the world the Messiah was to rule in the worldly sense. Jesus’ reign begins spiritually.

So it is written: "The first man Adam became a living being"; the last Adam, a life-giving spirit. 1 Corinthians 15:45

Many today are tripping over the new reality. They are veering towards good works, external righteousness, etc. – Satan’s counterfeit form of Christianity without Christ.

Reflect on the statement, “the blind see, the lame walk, the dead are raised” in the spiritual context. God may not give extraordinary signs in our lives. He helps us to live our ordinary lives in an extraordinary way.