I get the impression John the Baptist had been in prison for a while when he sent out a message asking the question:
(Verse 2)
"Are you the one who was to come,
or should we expect someone else?"
His question came at a time when he undoubtedly heard exciting stories that Jesus was teaching and preaching. I believe it is evidence that he is discouraged and experiences doubt whether Jesus is the Messiah. Perhaps his inner thoughts included another question: If Jesus is the Son of God, how could He allow me to be in these terrible conditions? (As many of us may have done in bad, sad or sorrowful circumstances.)
Jesus knows he is hurt and discouraged and gets the message sent to him:
(Verses 5,6)
"The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy
are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is
preached to the poor. Blessed is the man who does not fall away on
account of me."
This chapter does not reveal John's reaction to the news that people are being cured from leprosy and the deaf hear again. My guess however is John was blessed and his circumstances were not his entire focus, but now his thoughts are with others as well. I like to thing he thanked God for everything, even during terrible conditions. Afterward Jesus tells of John's importance as a prophet.
In this chapter Jesus warns unrepentant cities and speaks of a generation that does not listen. Lastly He reminds us their is rest for the weary.
(Verse 30)
"For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
In a few words:
Focus on others more than myself.
(Verse 2)
"Are you the one who was to come,
or should we expect someone else?"
His question came at a time when he undoubtedly heard exciting stories that Jesus was teaching and preaching. I believe it is evidence that he is discouraged and experiences doubt whether Jesus is the Messiah. Perhaps his inner thoughts included another question: If Jesus is the Son of God, how could He allow me to be in these terrible conditions? (As many of us may have done in bad, sad or sorrowful circumstances.)
Jesus knows he is hurt and discouraged and gets the message sent to him:
(Verses 5,6)
"The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy
are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is
preached to the poor. Blessed is the man who does not fall away on
account of me."
This chapter does not reveal John's reaction to the news that people are being cured from leprosy and the deaf hear again. My guess however is John was blessed and his circumstances were not his entire focus, but now his thoughts are with others as well. I like to thing he thanked God for everything, even during terrible conditions. Afterward Jesus tells of John's importance as a prophet.
In this chapter Jesus warns unrepentant cities and speaks of a generation that does not listen. Lastly He reminds us their is rest for the weary.
(Verse 30)
"For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
In a few words:
Focus on others more than myself.
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