“Knowing Christ Through What You See And Hear!”

“Knowing Christ Through What You See And Hear!”(Lk.7:18-35).
John the Baptist and Jesus were cousins. Jesus was six or seven months younger than John. They both heard from their parents the stories of the mysteries surrounding their births. They must have occasionally played together as kids.
When they grew into youths, John chose a desert life while Jesus preferred carpentry, the trade of Joseph his foster father.
Yet when John was in prison and heard about the exploits of Jesus, he sent two of his disciples to the Lord to ask, “Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?” How could John who spoke so passionately about Jesus harbour such doubts? Maybe John thought that if Jesus was the one who was to come, then Jesus would’ve at least visited him in prison – even once! Or maybe he wanted to overcome his inner worries by getting from Jesus himself an affirmative answer. Such an answer would’ve satisfied him that at least his ministry had not been in vain.
John was a contemporary of Jesus and a herald of Jesus’ appearing, yet he had doubts about Jesus’ identity. If John could have such doubts, we of this generation may not be blamed in our moments of doubt about Jesus’ identity.
However, Jesus’ response to John’s disciples remain relevant for the doubting Thomasses of our times.
Jesus replied to the messengers, ‘Go and report to John what you have seen and heard. The blind recive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor. Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me…”
Sometimes even the ministers of the gospel may have their moments of doubts about Jesus. We may be in situations where we thought Jesus would visit us if he is indeed the Christ.
Jesus lets us know that he may not be physically present when we need him. But with the eyes of faith, we can see him through the things that he is doing; which we see and hear.
Like the unrepentant pharisees of old, we may misconstrue his socializing and say “Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and ‘sinners.'” Of course, he is a friend of sinners. That is why he came! “Sinners Jesus will receive. Tell his word of grace to all…Christ receiveth sinful men.”
My friend, with a contrite and penitent heart, open wide your eyes of faith and you will see Christ through what he is doing.
Prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, give me a discerning spirit to feel your presence and know you through the things you do. Amen!
Have a blessed day! Peace be with you!
Rev. Babila Fochang.