Jesus knew what the people expected of their Messiah but remained true to Himself, namely being the Son of God. Jesus Christ “is the image of the invisible God” and “the express image of His person.” [2] He could not sin. He could not compromise God’s nature.
John the Baptist sent two disciples to ask Jesus, “Are you he (the Messiah) that should come, or do we look for another?” Jesus told his messengers, “The blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the good news preached to them.” [3] Jesus helped those who could not help themselves. They were in pits too deep to climb out of, and Jesus rescued them. He revealed God’s heart for them.
Jesus noted something different about John the Baptist to a crowd of listeners. John preached in open fields (the wilderness) and not in fancy buildings, yet people flocked to him. John did not wear fancy clothes, yet they listened to him. [4]
Jesus compared his listeners to children sitting in the markets who express disappointment in those who do not conform to their expectations. They wanted people to dance to their music. They wanted people to cry when they cried. They wanted John the Baptist to eat and drink with them. When he didn’t, they said, “He has a devil.” When Jesus ate and drank with sinners, they called Him a glutton, wino, and a friend of sinners. Jesus said that wisdom is justified by her children. In other words, wisdom is demonstrated by the good fruit it yields. [5]
Jesus rebuked the cities that did not repent after they saw His mighty works. He told them that cities famous for being evil would have repented if they had seen His miracles. He warned them, “I say unto you, that it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment than for you.” [6]
Jesus prayed, “I thank you, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hid these things from the wise and prudent, and have revealed them unto babes, even so, Father: for so it seemed good in Your sight.” Then, He explained, “All things are delivered unto Me of My Father: and no man knows the Son, but the Father; neither knows any man the Father, save the Son, and He to whomsoever the Son will reveal Him.” In other words, the only way to know God is if Jesus Christ reveals Him to you. [7]
The people that Jesus spoke with wanted to come to God on their own terms. His miracles did not matter to them. They wanted Jesus to present God to them according to their preferences.
Our Lord Jesus did extend an invitation to them. He said, “Come unto Me, all you that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and you shall find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.” [8] God’s terms include God’s presence and His help.
What about us? Are we willing to receive God on His terms?
“Jesus, Savior, Son of God, please continue to reveal the Father to us. Please graciously grant to us the holy audacity to profess You as Lord to people who need You. Thank You once again for the invitation to come to You. It is in Your Name that I pray. Amen.”
[1] Matthew 11:1
[2] Colossians 1:15; Hebrews 1:3
[3] Matthew 11:2-6
[4] Matthew 11:7-10
[5] Matthew 11:16-19
[6] Matthew 11:20-24
[7] Matthew 11:25-27
[8] Matthew 11:28-30
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