Evidence speaks for itself
At that very time Jesus cured many people of their sicknesses, diseases, and evil spirits, and gave sight to many blind people. He answered John’s messengers, ‘Go back and tell John what you have seen and heard: the blind can see, the lame can walk, those who suffer from dreaded skin diseases are made clean, the deaf can hear, the dead are raised to life, and the Good News is preached to the poor. How happy are those who have no doubts about me!’ (verses 21-23)
Read Luke 7:18-35
It’s remarkable the way someone’s reputation precedes them. For example, we frequently hear through the media about the capabilities of sportspeople before we have the chance to actually see them in action and judge for ourselves.
When Jesus was on earth, his reputation spread through the country of Israel. John the Baptist was preaching in the desert, and he also heard about the Messiah—the very person whose coming he had been foretelling.
John wanted to know if this Messiah was the person he had been telling the people about, so he sent some of his followers to check up and see if the facts matched the rumours. Jesus’ answer was simple: ‘You’ve seen what I’ve done and heard what I’ve said’. The evidence spoke for itself. There should have been no doubt that he was the Messiah.
We have the same evidence today. God forbid that we have any doubt about Jesus.
Dear Jesus, you really are the Son of God, sent to redeem the world. Take away any doubts I may have and help me to believe. Amen.
by Grace Bock, in ‘Guidance for each Day’ (LCA, Openbook, 2004)
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