John the Immerser was called to a devout and minimalist life. He devoted his entire being to serve God and make ready the way for the Messiah. He died after an obscene dance by a young girl and an even more obscene request. When faced with the executioner's axe we can imagine John was wondering where God was and why He wasn't rescued from being presented on a platter to his enemies. After all, John was a faithful soul assigned with the most important announcement since Gabriel the angel declared Jesus' birth. John was related to Jesus on earth and he did his job perfectly, yet this was his final end. It is reasonable to think John had some unanswered questions!
Scripture tells us that as John sat in his prison cell he second guessed Jesus being the Messiah and sent three of his own disciples to ask Jesus if He truly was the One.
Luke 7:20-23 "When the men came to Jesus, they said, “John the Baptist sent us to you to ask, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?’” At that very time Jesus cured many who had diseases, sicknesses and evil spirits, and gave sight to many who were blind. So he replied to the messengers, “Go back and report to John what you have seen and heard: 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. Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.”
Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me? What does that mean exactly? I looked up the Commentary on that phrase. It explains it this way:
1. Jesus was intimating that people were going to and currently were being persecuted for believing He was the Messiah.
2. There are reasonable and sufficient arguments to confirm the truth to those that are honest and impartial in searching after it. Having their minds prepared to receive the truth, then we are challenged with objections that cloud the truth and we must resist becoming worldly, careless, confused and sensual.
3. Christ's education in Nazareth, his residence at Galilee, the status of his family and relatives, his poverty, and the commonness of his followers-these were stumbling-blocks to many, which all the miracles he preformed could not help some overcome.
Therefore, You are blessed, when you are wise, humble, and not overcome by these prejudices. It is a sign that God has blessed you, for it is by His grace that you are helped over these stumbling-blocks and you shall be blessed indeed, blessed in Christ.
Jerusalem found itself disappointed a few days after the Triumphal Entry of Jesus. Praise and hope turned to anger and rejection of a man who looked more like a man to them than the God He claimed to be and whom they were waiting for. When faced with this same question of disappointment, they answered by nailing Him to the cross.
So when you look upon your life, prayers, or trials are you disappointed in the results? When you look upon the cross does Jesus fail to live up to your expectations? If so consider this: Life isn't fair.....and if it was I would be the one on that cross and so would you for He paid OUR ransom!
Good Friday gives us chance to revisit the sacrifice Jesus made on our behalf. His ways are not our ways and He may not answer us in the timing or way we think He should. I praise Him for helping me overcome my doubt instead of my doubt overcoming me. (He can do the same for you.)
Thank You Jesus.....it really is a GOOD FRIDAY :)
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