To read the texts click on the texts: Isa 45:6-8,18, 21-26; Lk 7:19-23
Though Luke has mentioned earlier in his Gospel (3:20) that John was in prison, there is nothing to suggest that he is still in prison when he asks the question about Jesus’ identity. Here, the question is asked after John receives a report from two of his disciples about the things that Jesus was doing. Thus, a number of explanations have been offered as to why John asked this question of Jesus. One reason is that John, after hearing the report from his disciples, was troubled by uncertainty. If he was still in prison (as Matthew clearly states he was when he sent his disciples to ask the question) then this uncertainty would have been greater. Another reason is that John expected the Messiah to come with spewing fire and venom, but Jesus was reaching out to people in unconditional love. This surprised John since Jesus was not the kind of Messiah he had expected. Another reason is that John, though not sure, was hopeful that The Messiah, whose coming he had announced, had indeed come in Jesus and that would vindicate his own proclamation. Or, John thought that, by asking such a question of Jesus, he could encourage him to make a public announcement so that all would know that the Messianic age had arrived.
The
disciples sent by John repeat the question of John to Jesus. In his response to
them, who had probably seen, just then, the healings performed by him, Jesus
lists six prophetic actions. These actions are
works which both Elijah and Elisha had accomplished, as well as others
mentioned in the book of Isaiah. Jesus was not merely a prophet, like Elijah or
Elisha; he was the fulfillment of all the prophets. Besides healing those in
need of it, the poor were also promised redemption through the preaching of
Jesus. Jesus’ answer ends with a challenge not to have a stereotypical view of
him or a preconceived notion that will prevent one from encountering Jesus as
he is. A blessing is pronounced on those who will not reject him even though he
turns out to be different from what they expected, imagined, or hoped he would
be.
Jesus
cannot be captured in an image, or picture, or put in a box. He remains bigger
than anything we can ever imagine. Thus, what is required if one is to
encounter him is to get rid of any categories that we may have used to define
him. Jesus fits no specific category and
yet, belongs to all of them. We sometimes think we know who Jesus is, what he
stands for, and what he is doing, and then he surprises us and does something
quite contrary to our expectations. Many scholars and holy men and women have
proposed first one understanding of who Jesus is, and then another. They are
all correct and all incorrect. Thus, the best response to Jesus is to be
constantly open to whatever revelation he decides to make and to keep our whole
being open in the hope that we will encounter him.
No comments:
Post a Comment
You may use the "Anonymous" option to leave a comment if you do not possess a Google Account. But please leave your name and URL as www.errolsj.com