- A dozen special disciples are selected to be apostles.
- Jesus sparks major controversy with His healing and teaching.
- John the Baptist has his people do a little "investigative reporting" to see if Jesus is the Messiah.
- A woman's extravagant gift becomes an object lesson in forgiveness.
"John the Baptist sent his followers to ask Jesus if He really was the long-awaited Messiah. Not that crazy of a question, really. People all over were wondering the same thing. But John? Did he really have to ask? After all, he was the one who jumped for joy in his mother's womb when Mary came to visit (Luke 1:41). And he had experienced a personal encounter with the Savior. He had heard God loudly proclaiim Jesus as His Son when John baptized Him! (Luke 3:21-22)
But now John was in prison. He was dependent on what other people had told him about Jesus, and he'd heard some confusing reports. Jesus' response to John's doubts wasn't an angry or frustrated one. He just expressed a clear report in terms John could understand. Jesus described the works that the prophesied Messiah would do, and said He was doing them.
It's okay for you to ask hard questions, too. It's perfectly fine for you to take any doubts straight to Jesus like John did. He didn't beat himself up for doubting. He just openly and honestly asked Jesus about it. And again, Jesus didn't go off on him for asking either. Instead, He lovingly and patiently reminded John of the truth and all the evidence of who He was.
You can talk to Jesus about anything. He already knows your heart inside and out. He loves you and can answer any question you have. He welcomes the conversation!"
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