Are You the One?

Luke 7:18-35
"Are you the one who is to come,
or are we to wait for another?"

An atheist asked a Christian, "What are you going to do, when you die and find out that you were wrong, that there is no God?"

The Christian responded, "I would rather be wrong for believing in God, than be wrong for not believing in God."

When you think about it, the Christian makes a good point.  BUT should that be your only reason for believing in God, to assure you of a place in heaven?

What is your reason for believing in God? Why do you pledge your allegiance to Jesus, the Christ, the only Son of God?  Why do you offer your gifts, your time and your talents to God?  Why do you bring your children to be baptized?  Why do you participate in the many disciplines of faith?

Is it because you know without a doubt that Jesus is Lord?

There is presently a debate going on in, I believe it is Kansas, about the teaching of Biblical creation in Science class.  The opposition claims, there is no scientific proof to support the Biblical story of creation.  The proponents claim, there is no scientific proof to support the theory of evolution.  If evolution can be taught, then Biblical creation should be taught as well. If not, then neither.

I find it interesting that there are people who attempt to limit or stop one’s quest for truth. This quest for the truth is similar to John the Baptist’s questioning of Jesus,

"Are you the one who is to come,
or are we to wait for another?"

Can you blame John for asking this question? John is in prison: for preparing the way for Jesus; for proclaiming a message of repentance; for announcing that the Messiah is coming. John had upset the religious authorities calling them evil. John had upset the Roman government, pointing out its sin and corruption. He did this believing that Jesus was indeed the promised Messiah.

Obviously the reports that he was hearing about Jesus were confusing. Chances are they were unexpected and incomplete. In prison and with doubts he sent two of his disciples to go to Jesus. Ask Jesus,

Notice Jesus’ response.

He doesn’t rebuke John for having doubts.

He doesn’t tell John to just believe.

Jesus did exactly what is often not done.  We tend to berate someone who has doubts. If you have faith you have no room for doubts.  As though because I say I believe, I am to have all the answers.  One of the things I tell the confirmation class every year, "Do not think you will have all the answers to all the questions about God when you finish this class."  Hopefully their confirmation experience will begin their questioning, their searching for a life long relationship with their God.  A relationship which will provide them with the gracious presence of God, even when God doesn’t make sense.  It has been said, "There lives more faith in honest doubt, than in half the creeds.  Faith grows through seeking truth."

Oh, if we could all be like John, to turn to the source, when God, when life doesn’t make sense.  Unfortunately, when life presents us with questions, when the harsh realities of life invade our existence, we turn away from God. If we could only learn from John, and do as he did, turn to God.  It is there that we will find what we need.

When life doesn’t make sense are you bold enough to ask God your questions, to share your doubts with God?  Like John, are you courageous enough to ask,

"Are you the one who is to come,
or are we to wait for another?"

When John asked this question Jesus did not just answer John, ‘Yes, I am.’

No, instead Jesus said,

Why, did Jesus answer as He did?  Because he wanted to answer John not with theories or speculations.  He answers them with proof, with observable deeds and actions that Jesus contemporaries saw and reported.  He answered John’s questions with a list of deeds He had done and which the prophets said the Messiah would do.

and the tongue of the speechless sing for joy." Isaiah 35:5,6

"The spirit of the Lord God is upon me,

and release to the prisoners." Isaiah 61.1

Jesus answered John’s question not with words, but with his deeds, deeds which could be done, by only the Messiah.

John reacted by believing Jesus to be the one.  Not everyone responded in the same way.  There were those who rejected Jesus’ words and deeds.  They wanted to live their own way.  They justified their point of view and refused to listen.  They tried to force their plans on God, instead of trying to discover God’s plan for them.

The religious leaders in particular hated John and Jesus, they criticized John because he fasted and drank no wine.  They criticized Jesus because he ate and drank.  They hated them not for dietary reasons but because they spoke the truth and showed their hypocrisy.

There are a lot of people today who are following in the footsteps of the Pharisees. They are willing to risk their eternity.  They are willing to trust their good works, their way of life to gain them entrance into the kingdom of God, even though God’s Word clearly states,

The answer to John’s question is a resounding YES, Jesus is the Messiah.  He proved it with word, with deed, with His resurrection.  You and I are left with a choice.  We can justify our wisdom.  We can do or believe whatever suits our purpose.  Let me warn you, however, if you do not examine your ideas in light of God’s truth, you are no different from the self serving Pharisees.  You are doomed.

amen