Expected King & Waiting People

The Big Question!

Lk leads us with crowds through Nazareth, Capernaum, Opposition, Calling, Sermon. Centurion’s faith, Widow’s son: “Great prophet, God visiting his people.” Leads to John’s question with revealing reflections. John is in prison for courage against Herod Antipas. He is training his own disciples. He’s loves the desert, fasting. Jesus is at banquets, not fasting, etc. John told of him with fire and judgment.

John knows Jesus, but he’s disconcerting. Jn sends his question directly to Jesus: ‘Are you the one who is coming?’ Israel’s story & scripture throb in its words.

An Answer in Deeds that Challenge Us to Recognize God

Jes could say, ‘Yes, I am.’ ‘How could you ask?’ But Jes understands the question & knows the answer changes the world. He answers with actions. But even marvels must be a language to be an answer. Jes enacts words of Isaiah, Malachi. etc.

Jes’ deeds say God’s ancient promises are here. Only the Messiah/God could do it. God’s image comes to new, surprising clarity. Very disconcerting. Don’t stumble!

Looking for a King in the Wilderness

Jes knows the crowds carry the same question/quest. They went out to John looking for a Messiah, an anointed King. Jesus pushes them to think deeply. They went into the wilderness seeking... What? A reed (Herod)? King? A prophet! John’s own identity partly answered his question. He was gateway to a new era. He welcomed ordinary people, soldiers, tax collectors. Last prophet of the old, pointing to new.

Pharisees rejecting John led to rejecting Jesus, refusing God’s good purpose for them.

John and Jesus, Different, Caricatured – Both Come from God

People want God to be tidy with short clear answers. Who is coming? John came. Jesus came. Very different look, sharing the same great event, different roles.

People had ready boxes for them. But what God is doing is vast, complex, real, beautiful, life-giving. You have to see it, live inside it. Wisdom & justice shine.