Who Are You

For December 12, 2010

In looking at today’s scripture it is important to remember the prominent role that John the Baptist plays in the religious life of Jerusalem at the time of Jesus. John had established a ministry of baptism for purification and repentance in the river Jordan. He also was a prophetic voice for a coming messiah who would bring God’s justice to the world. John was a historical figure mentioned in Josephus’ Jewish Antiquities written late in the first century. The reasons Josephus did not record Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection could lead us to lots of discussion but needs to be the topic for another day.

John built a considerable following including some who may have become Jesus’ first disciples. His influence was such that we can see many passages in the Gospels that make it clear that John was subordinate to Jesus. The extent of influence of John’s disciples can be seen in Acts as Paul re-baptizes believers who had received “John’s baptism” of repentance in places as far away as Corinth and Ephesus some 30 years after the crucifixion. Our scripture for today should be read with these things in mind:

Matthew 11:2-3 John, meanwhile, had been locked up in prison. When he got wind of what Jesus was doing, he sent his own disciples to ask, "Are you the One we've been expecting, or are we still waiting?" 4-6Jesus told them, "Go back and tell John what's going on: The blind see, The lame walk, Lepers are cleansed, The deaf hear, The dead are raised, The wretched of the earth learn that God is on their side."Is this what you were expecting? Then count yourselves most blessed!"

· Why was John in Prison (Herod had arrested John, put him in chains, and sent him to prison to placate Herodias, his brother Philip's wife. John had provoked Herod by naming his relationship with Herodias "adultery." Herod wanted to kill him, but he was afraid because so many people revered John as a prophet of God. Matthew 14) Who came to Jesus with John’s question? What do these things tell us about the impact of John’s ministry?

· What do you think caused John to question whether Jesus was the one he expected and prophesied would come? This question arises after John’s baptism of Jesus and a declaration that he was just that person and Luke’s assertion that Mary and Elizabeth (John’s mother) were related.

Ben Witherington writes the following in WorkingPretcher.org:

In the first place, Jesus did not come simply repeating John's warning of looming judgment on God's people; he came proclaiming the inbreaking Dominion and salvation of God, even for the least, the last, and the lost. In the second place, Jesus did not take up the mantle and lifestyle of an ascetical prophet, like John had done. Jesus ate and drank with sinners and tax collectors, and refused to take on himself the clothing and demeanor of one who was in mourning. In the third place, Jesus did not assume the roles of a Davidic warrior king or ruler. Indeed, he preached non-resistance, turning the other cheek, and self-sacrificial love. Furthermore, Jesus did not march on Jerusalem nor did he thunder condemnation on Caesar or his legions.

Do you think that these realities about Jesus might even have contributed to the confusion of his disciples who seemed at times to exasperate him?

· What does Jesus cite as evidence that he is the “One we have been expecting”? Instead of kingly power what is happening and who does it most benefit?

· Now it is your turn? As you experience this time of Advent preparation how would you describe the Jesus whose birth you will celebrate on December 25th? How is your life different because you have met him?



As we move on in today's scripture, Jesus describes John:

Matthew 11:7-10 When John's disciples left to report, Jesus started talking to the crowd about John. "What did you expect when you went out to see him in the wild? A weekend camper? Hardly. What then? A sheik in silk pajamas? Not in the wilderness, not by a long shot. What then? A prophet? That's right, a prophet! Probably the best prophet you'll ever hear. He is the prophet that Malachi announced when he wrote, 'I'm sending my prophet ahead of you, to make the road smooth for you.'
11-14"Let me tell you what's going on here: No one in history surpasses John the Baptizer; but in the kingdom he prepared you for, the lowliest person is ahead of him. For a long time now people have tried to force themselves into God's kingdom. But if you read the books of the Prophets and God's Law closely, you will see them culminate in John, teaming up with him in preparing the way for the Messiah of the kingdom. Looked at in this way, John is the 'Elijah' you've all been expecting to arrive and introduce the Messiah.

· What does Jesus tell the crowd about John? Who is he and who is he not? Do you remember anything about Elijah, one of the most revered of the Old Testament prophets who “went up into heaven in a whirlwind”? The very last verse of the Old Testament records God’s promise, “See, I will send the prophet Elijah to you before that great and dreadful day of the LORD comes.” What does Jesus want them to understand about John’s stature, importance, and standing in God’s eyes?

· Jesus begins gives us one of the many allusions to the Kingdom of God or Kingdom of Heaven that we find in the gospels. What will it be like? Who will have stature there? How do you feel about this assertion, if it is the case who would be ahead of you in the kingdom? How do you feel about this idea?

· What happened to the promised Elijah, John the Baptist? Was announcing a new kingdom risk free? Are there risks today in being a bearer of the Good News? Certainly not death in this country but what are some impediments to each of us being an Elijah today?

· Is there something in this story of John the Baptist that you are inspired to include in your Advent prayers?

Closing Litany From Psalm 146

Blessed are those whose help is the God of Jacob,

whose hope is in the LORD their God.

The LORD sets prisoners free,

the LORD gives sight to the blind,

the LORD lifts up those who are bowed down,

the LORD loves the righteous.

The LORD sustains the fatherless and the widow.

The LORD reigns forever,

Praise the LORD.

Next Week’s Lectionary Scriptures: Isaiah 7:10-16, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19, Romans 1:1-7, Matthew 1:18-25