Matthew 11:1-19 Messengers from John the Baptist

John the Baptist is mentioned here since we left him at the baptism scene (Mat.3). This is right after Jesus’ second discourse (Mat.10) on the mission of the kingdom, the cost and the rewards for the messengers sent out to work. The theme repeated several times in this section is “messenger” or “sent out one.” John sends his disciples (he was imprisoned) as messengers to Jesus to ask if he is the one. Jesus gives them evidence by mentioning all the signs and miracles he has performed. In light of Isaiah’s prophecy, he is the Messiah to come.

Lest anyone would think anything less about John, Jesus explains who he is. John is neither a weakling nor a well-dressed softy living in the wilderness, but a prophet who, according to Isaiah, would prepare the way for the Messiah. He is the messenger of God sent out on a mission to make way for the Christ. Jesus presents John as the Elijah to come, not resurrected Elijah, but a prophet in the spirit and power of Elijah. No one is considered greater than John among the living of the time. It is important to note that as Jesus affirms John’s identity, he is confirming his own as the Messiah.

What was the people’s response? Jesus uses a parable of children in the market inviting playmates who refuse to play no matter the game. If they play the flute they don’t dance and if they sing a dirge they don’t mourn. This is representative of that generation who witnessed John, an ascetic, and did not believe him. But when Jesus appears, who eats and drinks and befriends sinners, they don’t believe either. Ultimately, God’s wisdom is justified or proven right by her deeds - both John’s and Jesus’ deeds.

John and Jesus are perfect examples of messengers of God sent to the people who suffered rejection and ultimately gave their lives in God’s service. The mission of the kingdom is not defined by ministry styles, but by faithfulness to the call to bring the gospel of the kingdom to every man, woman, and child despite their response. To follow Jesus is to heed the call to be his messenger in the world.

Father, make me your messenger. May I heed your call to bring the gospel of the kingdom faithfully despite people’s response.

Psalm 2:11-12 Take Refuge

While I was living in Puerto Rico, during one hurricane season, a flood ensued due to much rain. I was driving at the time and I noticed that down the road a flow of water was coming my way dragging cars and whatever else along the way. I had the opportunity to turn away from the flood by getting on the sidewalk and a gravel patch to climb to higher ground and take refuge until the flood subsided. I was safe because I took refuge.

We are living in very uncertain times. The economy, the war, and the healthcare reform have everyone talking about what it will be. Unfortunately, many look up to our President as the one who can provide the certainty we need in life and ignore the true ruler who can be a true refuge for our lives despite the circumstances. Psalm 2 is a song with lyrics that uncover the plot of the nations to overthrow Israel and proclaims its Messiah as the only true refuge in times of uncertainty.

Jesus, the Messiah, our King is the only refuge. But for him to be our refuge, we must submit to him as our King and worship him. We must serve him wholeheartedly as the only ruler of our lives. Jesus, the Anointed One, came into the world to become the ruler of all nations, and not just of our individual souls. One day, he will sit on a throne above all nations and those who made him their refuge will rejoice with him. Unfortunately, those who reject him as King will be judged by him.

"Blessed are all who take refuge in him." Let's take refuge in Jesus!

Father, grant me the heart's desire to make your Son my refuge. Fill me with your Spirit to submit to his rule, worship him with joy, and serve him with all my strength. Amen.

Matthew 21:1-11 The Triumphal Entry

Jesus finally arrives to the city of Jerusalem. To make an entry according to the Scriptures (Zech.9:9), he asks two of his disciples to bring him a colt of a donkey. They place some cloaks over it and Jesus rides it into the city. By this act, he is proclaiming to all his identity. So many times he asked people to keep it a secret, but now it is out in the open. This is the Son of David, the Lord, the Messiah, the King of Israel, the prophet to come. The crowd is stirred up in a frenzy as they welcome him into the city with much rejoicing.

The donkey was an animal used by ordinary people for cargo and transportation. It was used by royalty in the days of king David and eventually it became a symbol of humility and peace. As Jesus rides into the city, he not only proclaims his identity as the Son of David, but he also proclaims that he comes in humility and peace. Unfortunately, despite the frenzy, the people then did not understand who Jesus really was. 

Would I have known who Jesus really was then? Or would I have been one more in the crowd who expected Jesus to overturn Roman rule and reign immediately? Do I know who he is today? Is he just a good man to me? Is he just a great healer of the past to me? Or is he my Savior? My Lord? My King? Do I live my life like I truly believe it? Or am I like the crowd, in a frenzy for the moment, but when the "rubber meets the road," I cry "Crucify him!"? When given a choice between Jesus and any other revolutionary cause, do I choose Jesus?

Despite his riding into the city in humility and peace, he was condemned like a thief to one of the most violent of deaths - death on a cross. The humble one suffered in the hands of an arrogant people who did not recognize him. The peaceful one was violently mocked, spat on, and nailed to a tree. In a divine act of irony, his suffering in the hands of the arrogant humbles my heart as I believe in him. And the violence he experienced up to his death results in peace for my mind when I turn to him in my turmoil.

Father, thanks for sending your Son, Jesus Christ upon the earth. Grow my faith to believe he is my Savior, Lord, and King. May I live my life like I truly believe it. May humility and peace fill my life forever.