Matthew 11:2-11
2 When John the Baptist heard in prison about the things that Christ was doing, he sent some of his disciples to him.
3 “Tell us,” they asked Jesus, “are you the one John said was going to come, or should we expect someone else?”
4 Jesus answered, “Go back and tell John what you are hearing and seeing:
5 the blind can see, the lame can walk, those who suffer from dreaded skin diseases are made clean, the deaf hear, the dead are brought back to life, and the Good News is preached to the poor.
6 How happy are those who have no doubts about me!”
7 While John’s disciples were leaving, Jesus spoke about him to the crowds: “When you went out to John in the desert, what did you expect to see? A blade of grass bending in the wind?
8 What did you go out to see? A man dressed up in fancy clothes? People who dress like that live in palaces!
9 Tell me, what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes indeed, but you saw much more than a prophet.
10 For John is the one of whom the Scripture says: ‘God said, I will send my messenger ahead of you to open the way for you.’
11 I assure you that John the Baptist is greater than anyone who has ever lived. But the one who is least in the Kingdom of Heaven is greater than John.”
Other readings: Isaiah 35:1-6, 10; Psalm 146:6-10; James 5:7-10
LECTIO
Today’s reading focuses on John the Baptist again, not this time in his role preparing the way for the Messiah but rather as a witness to Jesus’s Messianic ministry.
John the Baptist is in prison but has been told about what Jesus is doing. He is puzzled. Jesus’s actions don’t seem to match up with the axe, fire and judgment John had told people the Messiah would bring (see last week’s reading in Matthew 3:7-12). Had he made a mistake? Was someone else “the one who is to come”? So John sends some of his disciples to ask Jesus directly.
Jesus doesn’t give a direct answer but tells John’s disciples to report the evidence – people are healed, the dead raised to life and the Good News is preached to the poor. He wants John to understand that he is indeed the Messiah and is bringing in the Kingdom of Heaven as foretold by Old Testament prophets such as Isaiah (see Isaiah 35:5-6, 61:1). We are not told John’s response, but Jesus commends his integrity and confirms that John is indeed the “messenger” sent to prepare the way for the Messiah, as prophesied by Malachi (3:1).
John’s prophetic role was to denounce sin and call for repentance. The message was the same for everyone – kings, religious leaders, ordinary people – and he was not afraid to speak out. It got him thrown into prison for condemning King Herod’s marriage to his brother’s wife and ultimately cost him his life (Matthew 14:3-12).
MEDITATIO
Jesus wants us to grasp who he is for ourselves. Write down who you think Jesus is. You may want to add to this from time to time as Jesus reveals more of himself to you.
Why do you think people who have no doubts about Jesus are “happy” (Matthew 11:6)?
How did John respond when he did not understand what Jesus was doing? What can we learn from this and the answer Jesus gave him? John was no blade of grass blowing in the wind. How does the cold wind of criticism or mockery affect you? Can you stand up for your faith?
ORATIO
God continues to intervene in history and individual lives to bring healing, help and peace. Read Psalm 146 to remind yourself of God’s goodness and faithfulness. Use this to offer him your thanks and praise.
Wait before God in prayer. He may prompt you to pray for specific people who need his help and intervention in their lives right now.
CONTEMPLATIO
Time after time in Scripture we read accounts of how God intervenes in people’s lives, bringing forgiveness, healing and guidance. Spend some time reflecting on the ways God has intervened in your life.
