Proof

 When John, who was in prison, heard about the deeds of the Messiah, he sent his disciples  to ask him, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?”

 Jesus replied, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see:  The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor.  Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.”

Matthew 11:2-6

We are told in the passage above that Jesus answered John’s question with the results of his presence on earth. Jesus did not reply, “Yes, it is me, the one whom you have been prophesying abut for years”. Jesus replied essentially, “See the results, this is what has been my mission from the beginning!”

In other words, Jesus proves his claim as Messiah from what he had been producing as he walked among the people. In a court of law, people expect proof, not promises of good behavior. Jesus knew there were sceptics, and even John the Baptist asked the question, “Are you the one?” Indeed, John was in prison when he asked the question, so he was well aware that proof was needed in that hostile environment. So, Jesus gave proof of his ministry.

Jesus started his ministry with the words from Isaiah 61, “The Spirit of the Lord GOD is on Me, because the LORD has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor.” Jesus came to give hope and healing to a broken world. He comes to the poor and broken, and he gives proof that he is the Messiah.

John the Baptist was convinced, and so am I.

Prayer: Lord, we know the truth because you have delivered on your promises, Amen