“John’s disciples told him about all these things. Calling two of them, 19 he sent them to the Lord to ask, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?” 20 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?’” 21 At that very time Jesus cured many who had diseases, sicknesses and evil spirits, and gave sight to many who were blind.22 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[a] are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor.23 Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.” Luke 7.18-23
Isn’t it odd how we idolize humanity? We have name so many awesome athletes, performers and celebrities that we call the G.O.A.T.S. (Greatest Of All Time) that it gets redundant. Tom Brady, Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods, LeBron James, Venus Williams, Justin Bieber, Roger Federer just to name a few. And they typically seem to be within our generation, or the one previous. Memories are so short!
But why do we idolize humanity? It’s one thing to acknowledge their accomplishments but they are only humans gifted with a particular skill that God gave them anyway.
When John the Baptist heard from his disciples that Jesus was doing the things he was doing — healing, miracles, proclaiming the good news — he sent his disciples to ask, “Are you the one or should we expect someone else?” What an interesting question – “Are you the one?“ If you asked LeBron James that question what do you think he would say? “Heck ya I am the one!” But of course he would be referring to basketball, I hope!
John indirectly asked Jesus, ‘Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Living God.’ And instead of Jesus saying, “You know it!” He gave evidence to the fact that he was indeed the Messiah. “Go back and report to John what you have seen and heard: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy[a] are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor.” He is the one!
Is it enough to know that Jesus is the one if we do not honor him with our lives, our devotion and our hearts? Is it enough to know that Jesus is the Son of the Living God if we do not surrender to what he has to say? Knowing is not believing. Believing is believing. And what we must do is believe in Christ, the Messiah, who came to earth to redeem us from our sins.
Have you believed in the G.O.A.T. Jesus today? Why not trust him with your life, your heart and your love?
“O Lord God, you are the one. You are God in the flesh, Messiah, King and Lord of my existence and of the universe. Thank you for the interchange between yourself and John that we might receive the answer to the question that I once asked of you. I praise you Lord for your power and might, for raising the dead and redeeming the lost. Come now, Holy Spirit, infuse my being with your love. Help me walk in holiness with you while on this earth so that one day, I might see you face to face, and experience your grace for eternity. For you are good and your love endures forever.” Amen