Matthew 11:10 This is the one about whom it is written: Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you; he will prepare your way before you.
On this third Sunday of Advent, we find John the Baptist in prison. We must remember that John has many followers, people seeking hope and waiting for the person John has been preaching about. When John heard that Jesus was performing great miracles, he sent his followers to Jesus to confirm what he'd heard. This request was also done so that the followers could see for themselves the one that was foretold by the prophets. They asked him if he was the one who is to come. Now Jesus rarely gave a "yes" or "no" answer; he typically explained things in parables or redirected questions. He answered the question with a series of questions about what they are seeking.
John serves as the prophetic bridge between the Old Testament prophets and the New Testament teachings of Jesus. The people journeyed out of town to hear John preach. The desert is a wilderness, dry and barren, a place which is harsh and where little life exists yet they went to hear John. The people were looking for hope. Jesus takes them from hopeful anticipation to a sense of wonderment and joy. That is what this advent is about. The chosen people waited centuries for signs for the Messiah. Now it is a reality for them as the Messiah is among them. But what about for you and I? Jesus has come to the world as a gift from God. God gave his only son to the world, and was crucified for our sins. But before his death, he promised to return, and commissioned us to proclaim the good news to the world. There are many deserts in this world°maybe in your home, your office, your neighborhood, where people are looking for hope. You can be that voice for them crying in the wilderness that there is always hope in Jesus Christ, and that grace that Jesus gives can be theirs this Advent.
