10-14-20

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
October 14, 2020
Scripture: Luke 7:20
When they reached Jesus, they said, “John the Baptist sent us to you. He asks, ‘Are you the one who is coming, or should we look for someone else?’”

Thought for the Day: Have you ever been standing with a group and you’re laughing about something, when suddenly your friend Ted shows up and asks, “So, what are you all laughing about?” There is that hesitation as you ponder the challenges of bringing Ted up to speed. There are times when it would require a short history lesson, maybe even some diagrams to give the backstory that lead to the humorous exchange. And even then, it could have been just one of those moments where it would be nearly impossible to explain. There are times when answering a question requires some serious background information. When some of the followers of John the Baptist came to Jesus, they had a question on whether Jesus was the one people had been expecting. Jesus probably could have given a simple YES or NO, but the question may have carried with it certain expectations that may not have been entirely accurate. Jesus had been working with his own disciples for quite some time, and they still were confused. To say YES to John’s followers would be to affirm a picture of the Messiah that was not necessarily what Jesus was trying to teach. But to say NO would have caused even more confusion. Jesus responded as only Jesus could – by asking what they had seen and heard. There are times when a quick explanation is not going to cut it, but hopefully what people have seen and heard leave no doubt. It makes me wonder what I am communicating through my words and actions.

Prayer: May my life leave no questions, O God, in regard to what is central to my faith. Let my words and actions paint a very clear picture of my commitment to follow in the ways of Jesus. Amen.

---

---

via WordPress https://ift.tt/2H0Prft