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Commentaries
English
Luke
  
THE DELEGATION OF JOHN THE BAPTIST,
JESUS' ANSWER, AND HIS TESTIMONY OF THE BAPTIST (Luke 7:18-35)
18Then the disciples of John reported to him concerning all these things.19And John, calling two of his disciples to him, sent them to Jesus, saying, "Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?"20When the men had come to Him, they said, "John the Baptist has sent us to You, saying, ‘Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?’" 21And that very hour He cured many of infirmities, afflictions, and evil spirits; and to many blind He gave sight.22The Jesus answered and said to them, "God and tell John the things you have seen and heard: that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the poor have the gospel preached to them. 23And blessed is he who is not offended because of Me."


The reports about the wonderful works of Jesus spread, even into the dark cells of Herod’s prison. John the Baptist who baptized Jesus, and saw the Spirit descending on the Lamb of God, thought too much about Christ, the Anointed with the Spirit, and looked forward to his appearance as a Victor and King who would reform the nation, and change the face of the world. At the same time, he hoped that Jesus would release him from the deadly prison, for he saw it was impossible for the Lord to abandon his forerunner who confessed him openly when nobody knew him. John expected a gesture of gratitude from Jesus.
All the members of the Old Testament waited for Christ. Some of them wanted him a political hero, and others an ardent professor. All thoughts centered on the person of the coming Christ, the Judge of the world who raises the dead. John wanted to bring Jesus gradually to declare himself openly to be indeed the Christ, by asking him about that, for he believed in him, but without steadiness. He wanted to extinguish his doubts that overflowed out of him during his long waiting in the deep prison.
However Jesus preached and healed many people. The word, "many" which is often found in our reading, indicates the greatness of the love of Christ, his merciful kindness, and indefatigable mighty power. Did you ever reflect on the signification of Jesus’ healing many of the blind only by an utterance of his mouth, without any operation? None but the Creator can open the eyes of men and give them sight after their long darkness. Imagine the joy that dwelt in the blind that were endowed with eyesight! How the people magnified God aloud! How the eyes absorbed Jesus’ image and sucked his impressing exceptional sweetness into their innermost depths at first glance! Dear brother, Does Christ’s image have the deepest impression in yourself? Do you see him in his love, kindness, power, mercy, and effort as the Savior of the world and the servant of all? Did Christ become the model of your life, the emblem of your future, and your saving Redeemer?
Christ answered John’s messengers, "Tell him who is imprisoned all what you see and hear, for this is in fact the kingdom of God that flourishes among you. I have not come with sword, money, and honor; but with forgiveness of sins, driving out demons, and raising the dead." Please think once again, my dear brother: Who can forgive sins? Who is he that is stronger than the devil? And who can take the prey out of the mouth of death? God alone is the Almighty, and Christ stands before you in the authority of his Father, God from God. Light from light. True God from the true God, in one essence with the Father.
John expected another Christ: a champion who judges and manages. But Christ was embodied love. His power became great in the faith of the weak. The poor hear the gospel. Their holding fast to the Savior saves them, and often brings them into the kingdom of God, overcoming in them the temptations of hell. Christ made clearer to John’s messengers that he does not change the situations, but the hearts in the repentant; and he reconciles those that are prepared with God. He does not force the adulterer into everlasting life. He who seeks an earthly savior may choose an earthly Caesar, king, or leader; and fall with him into fire. But he, who longs for a heavenly Christ, must participate in his contempt, death, and life; and be with him from today in Paradise.
Jesus did not beatify John the Baptist, but all those who accept the meekness of the Lamb of God. Whoever asks Christ for promotion in office, school, allowances, and reputation, soon stumbles in Christ; but whoever repents, seeks only love, and forgets himself, enters into the kingdom of God, and abides in the power of his love. Thus Jesus put John before the choice that he might believe in his divinity, especially that he did not release him from prison.

Prayer
O Lord, forgive us if we took more interest in earthly things than that of your kingdom and righteousness. Open our eyes to your loving kindness, and joyfulness of your glory, that we may see you, worship to you, and tell all people that you are God the Lord who leads us into self-denial.
Question
What do we learn from Jesus’ deeds and words?