This Sunday is the 3rd Sunday of Advent. From Matthew 11:2-11 we learn John the Baptist is in prison and sends his disciples to ask the most important question ever, “Are you the one or should we look for another?” Understandably John is confused. If this Jesus is the One, the Messiah, why is he, John, in prison and the Kingdom of God so far away?

But, notice the question is not about problem solving like most of us do when we want to come to Jesus. He didn’t ask Jesus "Why don’t you get me out of here?" Also, Jesus does not say “How dare you ask that question.” We can learn so much from the question and the answer Jesus gives about how we approach Jesus when life is not going the way we want. John just wants to know who the messiah is and if Jesus is not that person, should we look for another. He is not so much worried about his own problems as he wants to know who is the center of the universe. John does not say "If you are not the messiah then should we stop looking?" But, rather, "Should we look for another?"

John understands if we don’t look for God we will substitute something else like money, control, sex, fame, family, honor, etc. But, he knows better than most of us even while suffering and confused. He cares more about knowing who God’s anointed one is than substituting for things of this world to give his life to.

John’s question strikes at the very heart of humanity’s search for significance and identity. Come this Sunday, invite friends, and discover who we are by the kinds of questions we ask God.

Come and See

+Philip