An Odd Question

"An Odd Question"

In the gospel of Luke, chapter 7, we find an odd question posed to Jesus from the followers of one of His most ardent supporters. “Are you He that should come or do we look for another?” Luke 7:19 KJV. This would be much easier to process if it had not come from Jesus cousin, John the Baptist. John was in prison at the time for calling out Herod for his illicit relationship with his sister in law. 

John knew from birth that his ministry and mission in life were tied to the ministry of Jesus. He certainly knew Jesus was the the promised Messiah but I believe he was struggling with unrealistic expectations. It is so easy in life to lose focus and end up on a road or path that you were never supposed to travel. Perhaps John was disappointed that Jesus did not take up the cause, get into the political arena  and publicly admonish Herod for his sin. Perhaps John was disappointed that Jesus did not push for his release from prison. We may never know the answer but we can see from Jesus response what is most important.

Jesus responded to the question posed by the followers of John by just having them spend the day with him. Near the end of that day he said to them, “Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached and blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.” Luke 7:22, 23 KJV. 

Jesus maintained a singular focus to always do those things that were the will of God. We can learn an important lesson here. There may be many causes and things that clamor for our attention and those who are passionate about those areas may be offended when it appears that we don’t share their passion. Follow Jesus example and stay focused on your assignment.

Published in the Erie Times News Saturday 7/11/2020.