God's Mission
Matthew 11:2-15
2 When John, who was in prison, heard about the deeds of the Messiah, he sent his disciples 3 to ask him, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?”
4 Jesus replied, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see: 5 The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. 6 Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.”
7 As John’s disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swayed by the wind? 8 If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear fine clothes are in kings’ palaces. 9 Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 10 This is the one about whom it is written:
“‘I will send my messenger ahead of you,
who will prepare your way before you.’
11 Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. 12 From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been subjected to violence, and violent people have been raiding it. 13 For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John. 14 And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come. 15 Whoever has ears, let them hear.
Pondering Point
As we read Matthew 11:2-15, we hear of some awesome activities that Isaiah described would be associated with the coming of the Messiah (Christ).
4 Jesus replied [to John’s disciples], “Go back and report to John what you hear and see: 5 The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. 6 Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.
Yet there was much more to the mission as Jesus’ unwavering path to the cross would show, more than healings and teachings. It was about life and death decisions – to live and die for us heal the disease of sin in us. He came to testify to the truth – to this truth, and by His death provide access to the One True God.
Prayer Prompt
Praise the Lord, the God of Truth, for blessings small and big – and for the gracious place given you in the kingdom of God (Matt 11:11). Sing to God; maybe try to recall or look up songs that talk about truth ("Joy to the World" LSB387 or "The Voice of Truth" by Casting Crowns). Play the music, sit back, relax, and rest in the Lord. Don’t be in a hurry.
Micro-Meditation
Psalm 146:1-6
- Praise the Lord.
Praise the Lord, my soul. - I will praise the Lord all my life;
I will sing praise to my God as long as I live. - Do not put your trust in princes,
in human beings, who cannot save. - When their spirit departs, they return to the ground;
on that very day their plans come to nothing. - Blessed are those whose help is the God of Jacob,
whose hope is in the Lord their God. - He is the Maker of heaven and earth,
the sea, and everything in them—
he remains faithful forever.
Read the versus of the Psalm.
Mark the words or phrases that catch your attention.
Meditate: talk (or better, write) with God about those words. Ask him to impress things upon your heart and mind; expect responses.
Teaching or Command of God
Luke 13:12-13
When Jesus saw [a woman crippled by a spirit], he called her forward and said, “Woman, you are set free from your infirmity.” Then he put his hands on her, and immediately she straightened up and praised God.
The Promise
Job 1:21
Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised.
Pondering Point
If you were asked which areas of your life bring God the most praise, to what would you point?
Which areas would offer the greatest potential for fresh praise?