For a description of the (Y2) reading plan, see the “About” page.
Matt. 11
What was Jesus’ assessment of John the Baptist? Of the people of “this generation”? It seems that even John the Baptist had misplaced expectations about God’s promised Messiah. News of Jesus’ activity spread even to John’s prison cell. Yet it seems John was expecting something more, and so he was uncertain. Jesus’ response is intriguing. As I see it, He pointed out His fulfillment of parts of the Messianic prophecies, then made an interesting remark. “Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.” (Matt. 11:6). I think He was calling out John’s – and others’ – expectations with that comment. How many missed seeing who Jesus really was because He did not fit what they expected Him to be? Or because they couldn’t see past who they thought He was – a carpenter’s kid from Nazareth.
On this side of Jesus’ death and resurrection, it is easy to see how the Messianic prophesies played out in Him. Still, we struggle with the same problem that John the Baptist and so many others struggled with. Our expectations of what it is to be saved often don’t quite match up with the truth. Thus, when God doesn’t act like we think He should, we suffer a ‘crisis of faith’. That’s when we need to check our expectations at the door and ask God to reveal who He really is. “Blessed is anyone who does not stumble [over the truth]” (Matt. 11:6 paraphrased).
Is. 55-56
What is God’s invitation to the thirsty and hungry? God presents the truth of His salvation in so many different ways. The truth is that it is God who saves. It is not the work of our own hands. I see that truth represented in at least a couple different ways in this morning’s passage. First, God offers the thirsty and hungry free food and drink. “Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy?” (Is. 55:2a). Our work and what we earn with it cannot save us. God’s salvation is free.
The second representation of God’s salvation takes that one step further. Not only is God’s salvation free, but also attempting to add to it with our own efforts defiles it. “…all who keep the Sabbath without desecrating it and who hold fast to my covenant – these I will bring to my holy mountain….” (Is. 56:6b-7a). The Sabbath is God’s rest. This is a representation of laying down our own efforts and resting in God’s grace. God’s covenant is Jesus Christ. Thus, those who hold fast in faith to Christ, setting aside anything from self and relying only on God’s promise through Him, will be saved. Yes, we still work under God’s salvation. But our work is now to serve and honor God and to carry out Jesus’ mission of taking the good news of God’s Kingdom to the lost rather than in an effort to secure our own salvation.