Matthew 11:1-6
Read Matthew 11:1-6
Helpful Background Information:
In our sermon passage for the week, we see Jesus proclaiming that he came to this world to “proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set free the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor” (Luke 4:18-19). Said in other words, Christ was anointed to provide salvation hope for the poor and humble before God, purchase freedom for those stuck in sin, give spiritual wisdom to those who were blind, and rescue his people from the oppression of sin and spiritual powers. And of course, one of the literal ways Jesus did all this was by performing miracles (giving sight to the blind, healing the lame, demons exorcised, etc) - the purpose of which was to point to the greater spiritual truths of Christ rescuing his people and making them right with God.
In our passage for today, John the Baptist sent his disciples to Jesus for confirmation that Christ was indeed the Messiah to come. Although John the Baptist was the forerunner to Jesus and affirmed his ministry, he was imprisoned and was likely struggling with doubt. Jesus responds to John’s disciples that he is indeed the one whom the Father sent. Since his self-proclamation of being the one, Jesus Christ physically gave sight to the blind, healed the lame, cleansed those with leprosy, etc. It’s as if Jesus was saying, “Not only have I proclaimed myself to be the one whom the Father sent, but here’s the proof.”
Reflection Questions:
How does it comfort you that Jesus exemplified his power and authority to save sinners through miracles?
How does Jesus’ gentle reassurance to John’s disciples speak to the way God responds when we struggle with doubt?
Since Jesus came to bring freedom, sight, and release, how might He be inviting you to participate in that mission toward others this Christmas?
Remember, these words primarily refer to Jesus saving sinners from sin. The literal miracles, which we can’t do, were to prove this!