Thursday, December 13, 2018
by the Brown Family, Isaac, Gina, and Zahria-Jade
Matthew 11:2-11
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 offense 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.
Prepare ye the way of the Lord!
In this beautiful season of Advent, we celebrate a time of expectant waiting and preparation for the
celebration of the Nativity of Jesus at Christmas as well as the return of Jesus at the second coming.
Often, we see the persons in the Bible as larger than life mythical characters that do no wrong and we
forget that they were individuals who answered the call to love God with all their heart and love their
neighbor as themselves. The power of their accomplishments for Kingdom of Heaven being directly tied
in their commitment to love. John 15:1-17 outlines a peculiar transfer that happens between God and
his people when they submit their will unto Him which enables them to accomplish what we interpret as
larger than life feats.
One such character was John the Baptist. John was one who helped prepare the way of Jesus’ ministry.
John was so enveloped in his love for God that he allowed himself to be empowered to step out of the
scope of normalcy. John looked different, spoke different, ate different, dressed different and his
conversation was different.
When the authorities of the time inquired who he was his response was
I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, make straight the way of the Lord, as said the
prophet Esaias ~ John 1:23
John spoke with boldness that he discerned his call to be that of one who prepared the way for Jesus and
he gave his life over to his call.
Jesus Christ is coming again! Hallelujah! And as we ponder the immensity of this season and look
forward to His return let us also take time to self-reflect by asking a few quiet questions in our hearts.
Have I prepared a way for Christ? Has my family prepared a way for Christ? Has my faith community
prepared a way for Christ?
Lord, may your transforming love lead me to prepare your path.