Reflecting Jesus

Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another? (Luke 7:19) 

This may seem like a strange question to come from John the Baptist, especially since his very mission was to prepare the way for Jesus. But there might have been a good reason for it. John might have expected Jesus to be more like him—a radical zealot who preached a message of repentance. But instead of going into the desert and preaching against Herod, Jesus was traveling throughout the towns and cities, healing people and teaching them to love one another. Was he really the One who would bring a baptism of fire and convict sinners to change their ways?

Jesus’ answer made it clear that he had come as a Savior, not a judge. He came to “bring good news to the afflicted,” and “bind up the brokenhearted” (Isaiah 61:1). He wanted John’s disciples to know that God was not dwelling on their sins—he had a much bigger agenda! Of course he wanted to forgive them, but he also wanted to bring them into a living relationship with him so that they could know the freedom of being his children.

Today, people are still asking if Jesus really is the One who is to come—and we are the ones they’re asking! They are looking to us to see if Jesus is compassionate and merciful. They’re looking to us to see if he is peaceful and gentle. Perhaps they have not known much compassion in their lives. Perhaps someone in the Church has hurt them, whether intentionally or not. We can show them a different face of God.

Your witness can have a special impact this time of year. During Advent, people almost instinctively think about heaven, angels, and Jesus. If they know that you believe in Christ, if they can tell that you have a relationship with him, half of the work is already done. The testimony of your life will soften their hearts and open them to the words you speak. Just as Jesus showed John, you can show your neighbors that they don’t have to wait for someone else. Jesus is the Messiah who has come to heal and forgive and save.

“Jesus, give me the confidence I need so that I can share your love with those who are searching for you.”

from wau.org