Thursday, December 8, 2022

Friday prior to Advent 3

 

 Matthew 11:2-15 – John the Baptizer sends a delegation to learn if Jesus is the Messiah and Jesus says John is the greatest of the prophets.  In the Gospel lesson, we are given evidence that Jesus is the Messiah. John the Baptist sends a delegation to learn if Jesus is the Messiah and Jesus says John is the greatest of the prophets. We come to the conviction that Jesus is the Messiah.

The ultimate confession to be a Christian is to say Jesus is Lord, or the Messiah (Christ). How does one come to such a conclusion? We dare not take anybody’s word.

Rather, we find out for ourselves by studying the evidence. This is what Jesus told the disciples of John the Baptizer to do and then to go back and let John know what has been said and done. We do not take our faith on hearsay. Rather, we base our faith grounded in fact.

Jesus makes the claim that he is the Messiah. He realizes this statement might offend some so he says, “Blessed is he who takes no offense at me.” An “offense” is a stumbling block or a trap. The Greek word for “offense” is scandal. Instead of being drawn to Jesus by the face of who he is, what he does, and what he says, some are turned off and walk away. The question we must each ponder is this, does Jesus offended you? And, if so, why?

God of power and mercy, open our hearts in welcome. Remove the things that hinder us from receiving Christ with joy, so that we may share His wisdom and become one with Him when He comes in glory, for He lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, forever and ever.[2] Amen - 09 December 2022-


[1] Advent, copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things
[2] Collect for Advent 3, Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St, Louis

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