Dumb Questions

Pastor Rus Says: Welcome to the sermon podcast from First Lutheran in Shelby, Ohio with Pastor Rus Yoak. Ever wonder who comes up with the sill questions you get asked on government forms? I found myself answering a bunch of "standard questions" when I transfered my license over from Florida to Ohio and wondered if anyone ever gave a flip, funny answer to any of the security questions and if they did, how much trouble did they get in. But, sometimes you just have to ask the obvious questions because you need to be absolutely sure. In today's Gospel John the Baptist has an obvious question to ask and Jesus gives a pretty obvious, but important answer...as well as some pretty unexpected bonus answers. Matthew 11:2-11 11:2 When John heard in prison what the Messiah was doing, he sent word by his disciples 11:3 and said to him, "Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?" 11:4 Jesus answered them, "Go and tell John what you hear and see: 11:5 the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have good news brought to them. 11:6 And blessed is anyone who takes no offense at me." 11:7 As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: "What did you go out into the wilderness to look at? A reed shaken by the wind? 11:8 What then did you go out to see? Someone dressed in soft robes? Look, those who wear soft robes are in royal palaces. 11:9 What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 11:10 This is the one about whom it is written, 'See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.' 11:11 Truly I tell you, among those born of women no one has arisen greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.