Hello Friends,
Welcome back to Prepared Hearts, the online Bible study of the Wacousta Community United Methodist Church. I apologize for the delay!
For this third week of Advent our texts include: Isaiah 35:1-10, Luke 1:47-55, James 5:7-10, and Matthew 11:2-11. This week our Call to Worship will be from Luke, and I’ll be preaching from the Gospel of Matthew. The text is below, followed by starter thoughts:
When John heard in prison what the Messiah was doing, he sent word by his disciples and said to him, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?’ Jesus answered them, ‘Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have good news brought to them. And blessed is anyone who takes no offence at me.’
As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: ‘What did you go out into the wilderness to look at? A reed shaken by the wind? What then did you go out to see? Someone dressed in soft robes? Look, those who wear soft robes are in royal palaces. What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written, “See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.”
Truly I tell you, among those born of women no one has arisen greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.
STARTER THOUGHTS
This week’s scripture lessons contain a variety of emotions. The passage from Luke, known as the Song of Mary or Magnificat, is one of the most joyful songs in scripture. On the other hand, the text from Matthew reflects the sadness and doubt John was experiencing. I imagine John in prison, doubting the identity of Jesus and wondering if his life’s work had been in vain. The juxtaposition of these texts reflects the hills and valleys of our Christian journey. There are times when our spirits rejoice and other times when we find ourselves asking, “Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?” How do you experience the “ups” and “downs” on your journey? What pulls you through the valley? What brings you to the mountaintop?
In response to John’s question, Jesus didn’t flat out say, “I’m the Messiah.” He answered by telling them to report the work he was doing. Why do you think Jesus did that?
The sharing of firsthand accounts of the healing of Jesus Christ (often referred to as “witnessing”) is something that has been a tradition of our faith from its very beginning. At the same time, folks can (and do) find it difficult to give voice to and/or share their faith story or stories. What is it about sharing firsthand accounts that is so powerful? What do you think keeps folks from sharing more frequently their own encounters with Christ?
I think it’s interesting that Jesus moves directly from hearing about John’s doubts to describing him as the greatest prophet ever born. John’s insecurity about Jesus doesn’t cause Jesus a moment’s uncertainty about John’s own identity. What can we take from this about how Jesus encounters our doubts? What role has questioning played in the development of your faith? Do you think we (the church) allow enough space for folks to express questions and doubts?
I look forward to hearing your thoughts and reflections! Email me or post a comment here.
Peace,
Pastor Amee
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