2: I have never stumbled upon a real good explanation of this verse. Every suggested answer to John’s purpose here seems to be lacking in my mind. So, allow me to add my feeble suggestion. First of all, John heard about what Jesus was doing. Yet, in Jesus’ answer to him he mentions his works. This would seem rather odd would it not? To answer a question occasioned by Jesus works Jesus points to his works? What does this mean? Well, secondly, we must consider that John also knew the Scriptures. Like the other believing Jews, including the disciples, he was expecting the Messiah to set up an earthly kingdom at that time. He knew that one of the elements of the Messiah’s work would be releasing prisoners, which is referred to in the same passages that Jesus alludes to in his answer (Isaiah 42:7, 61:1). John was in prison at the time. So, John, like many, was confused. Jesus did not deride John for this. Indeed, he simply reminded John that he needed to just trust in him.
It is important to realize that the people of God at Jesus first coming understood the program of the Messiah, but forgot the person of the Messiah. They were so busy looking for fulfilled prophecy that they often overlooked the forest for the trees. In our day, we seem to have a danger of doing the opposite. We take great comfort in the person of Christ, but forget that he has a very specific program planned out. John the Baptizer was the best of men, so we are in good company. We must simply learn, as he did, to trust and obey.
Daily Bible Reading: Ephesians 4:1-6:24
Daily Memory Verse: 1 John 2:10 “He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him.”
Daily Tidbit: Only when we come to our wit’s end to we finally realize just how much we depend upon Almighty God.
Praise Journal: Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us the strength to go on when it seems like everything is happening at once. You are so merciful and gracious. Thank You for Jesus! In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise You, Amen.
Prayer Journal Highlights: Pray for a missionary on the field in Africa.
Personal Journal Entry #13081