John the Baptist preached passionately that the One who was to come would judge with fire. But Jesus’ ministry was different – instead of fire, we hear that the blind see, the lame walk, lepers are made clean and the dead are raised to new life. What would it mean for John that instead of fiery judgement, that these are signs of the kingdom of God? What does it mean for us?
In the season of Advent we hear about John the Baptist – as he tries to figure out if Jesus is really the one that they have been waiting for – and when we hear the prophet Isaiah proclaiming to the people who are in exile of what a future with God will look like. In both of these scripture passages, we are again reminded that there is mystery in the work and presence of God – that there is an upside down nature to who God is, relative to how we think God should be.
In today’s reading from Matthew, John the Baptist is in prison, and John sends his disciples to ask Jesus on John’s behalf “Are you the one who is to come?” Jesus recognizes the doubt and hesitation behind this question. After all, Jesus’ mission and message had been one of love and guidance. Jesus’ ministry to that point had centered around acts of healing and forgiveness.
So, we can understand the confusion when we remember that John the Baptist had passionately preached that the one who was to come would judge with fire, burning up the chaff as he sorted through the wheat (Matthew 3:11-12).
Where was this fire and fury from Jesus? Where were Jesus’ judgments? In spite of the heaven-opening experience at the Jordan River with Jesus’ baptism, John had begun to have his doubts.
But Jesus’ answer is not the answer John or anyone else expects. Jesus the Messiah can work miracles. But true messianic, God power, is not fiery judgment. Instead, Jesus’ mission is found in acts of healing and hope — Acts that transform the lives of the weakest, the poorest, the most reviled and forgotten.
We hear that the blind see, the lame walk, lepers are made clean and whole, the deaf hear, and even those most completely abandoned — the dead — are raised to new life and new possibility.
Are these the signs of the Messiah? Are these the actions that will usher in the rule of a divine king? The deaf and blind, the lepers and the lame, the outcasts and outsiders – Are these the first citizens to be welcomed into the kingdom of God?
It certainly seems like one of God’s favorite things to do is to surprise us with strength through weakness, power through humility, grace through adversity.
During the season of Advent we prepare for the biggest “upside down” moment of all – God coming into the world as a helpless baby — the Savior of the world. No wonder John the Baptist had his doubts. John was expecting more from his Messiah. How about a little fire, a little godly glory, a little zap or two of righteous judgment?
Instead, John gets God’s “upside down” idea of a Messiah — An itinerant teacher, one who heals, eats with sinners and calls the best out of people. A Messiah who’s only weapons appear to be love, forgiveness, and a quick wit and occasionally sharp tongue. One who’s only political aspiration seems to be to go to Jerusalem for Passover.
How will the world ever be transformed, saved and redeemed under the leadership of such a strange Messiah?
Jesus challenged John’s disciples to report back to their master “Happy are those who have no doubts about me!” (Matthew 11:6). Jesus knew that his very presence in the world would be a stumbling block for many who would try to follow him in faith.
The truth is, we are often like John. We want God to come with a show of power. We want God to come on strong, so that we would know exactly what to do and who to follow. Unfortunately for John and for us, God does not usually operate like that. Instead we too are often left with questions and hesitations.
As we attempt to discern God’s presence and power in our world and in our lives, perhaps we should begin to watch for God to come in those upside down ways. Ways that we don’t expect. Ways that might surprise us.
After all, God calls us forward, not when we are perfect, but in all of our shortcomings and limitations. Calls us forward to take on those places in our lives that we need to let go – that we need to offer to God – a grudge or bitterness that we find hard to shake – forgiveness that won’t come easily.
Even in the midst of our own burdens and challenges, God invites us to serve – to be helpful – to be sharers of grace and mercy and compassion – to be ones who find joy as God’s people.
In the midst of Advent – this is the Sunday of Joy – also known as Gaudete Sunday. It is why we have the different colored candle in our wreath – it is a day in an otherwise penitential season – when we are reminded and encouraged by Paul who wrote to the Philippians:
Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say, rejoice. (Philippians 4:4)
This is the Sunday of Joy – the day to rejoice because the Lord is coming soon.
That day is coming fast. A day when we once again celebrate the strange, upside down ways of God. A day when God sent Jesus to be the Messiah, the Savior, the Christ. A day when God sent into this world not what we wanted, but what we truly needed.
As we continue to anticipate the coming of Christmas. May the Good News of God continue to move us in joy and guide us in the way of Christ. Amen.
Rev. John Berg
Gloria Dei Lutheran Church
Northbrook, IL
Prayers of God’s People
Let us pray…Dear God,
We know that you see inside our hearts. May we marvel at all the beauty all around us this time of year, but remember that true beauty is what is inside us. Teach us to be patient, kind, thoughtful, friendly, gentle and calm as we await your coming.
We pray that in our preparations we focus on spending time with each other. Teach us to help each other when the “to do” list get too long. Help us to make certain we are not so preoccupied, anxious and worried about “things” that we miss the joy of your presence.
We thank you for your gift of grace. Open our hearts that they may be filled with your strength, peace and patience. Teach us to remember that you give us all that we need and help us to receive your gifts with the excitement of a Christmas morning.
O God, we gather together to offer you thanks and praise and to ask for your blessing, in the name of your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ we pray. Amen