Thursday, October 7, 2021

Today’s Reading: Luke 7:18-33

When the men came to Jesus, they said, “John the Baptist sent us to You to ask, ‘Are You the One who is to come, or should we expect someone else?’”

Luke 7:20

Reflection: While in prison, John the Baptist hears the news of Jesus’ miracles that has spread throughout the region. He asks his students, to seek clarification from Jesus: was He really the Messiah? Now, John is, as Scripture describes, the voice crying out in the wilderness, “Prepare the way of the Lord.” This is the same John who, upon seeing Jesus at the Jordan River declared about Jesus, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world!” But even John experiences a season of doubt, so much so that He sends his disciples to confirm if what Jesus says about Himself is true.

Jesus answers John’s question and eliminates any doubt within him and his students by proving His Messiahship. In the presence of John’s disciples, He heals people, casts out demons and restores sight to the blind. And after all of that, Jesus tells John’s disciples to report back to their teacher, John, what they have witnessed Him doing. Jesus’ miracles are not only proofs of Jesus’ power and authority, but are also fulfillment of Messianic prophecy.

Jesus meets questions with answers for those who seek to know Him. In the Bible are countless testaments of Jesus fulfilling prophesy and proving His authority as God the Son. We have all of the answers we need to be assured that Jesus is the Messiah. As in the case of John and his disciples, we don’t have to remain in any doubt about God. Instead, we can meet Jesus with our doubts, trusting that our knowledge of Him replaces doubt with absolute certainty that He is our Messiah, Redeemer, and Lord.

Prayer: Thank You, LORD, for by Jesus meeting our doubt with certainty. Thank You that we can always come to You assured of Your saving grace. When we seek You, help us to find You, LORD. As we draw nearer to You in study and prayer, increase our faith and trust in You. In Jesus’ Name, AMEN.

Bible-in-a-Year Reading Plan (credit: Bible, studytools.com): Luke 7:18-50; Genesis 11; Psalm 5