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Matthew 11:1-12:21 Signs of the Kingdom?

by fol CHURCH on November 16, 2019

Our passage today opens with John the Baptist hearing from prison of what Jesus has been doing and sending his disciples to find out if he is indeed the Messiah. If we rewind to Matthew 3:11-15, we read of Jesus’ baptism by John and John’s recognition that Jesus is the Messiah. John is now in prison, however, and knowing that he will die and doubts surface in his mind.

Jesus, interestingly, does not answer him directly. He tells him instead that he can see the work of the Kingdom (and the King) through signs of the times: miraculous healings and the preaching of good news to the poor.

The remainder of the reading is about how various groups of people had failed to see the signs of their times and failed to recognize the truth of what was happening before them. Jesus had performed miracles and signs in Capernaum but there had been opposition to his ministry. People had failed to recognize John the Baptist as Jesus’ forerunner. We see the contrariness of those who thought John’s ascetic ways a bit odd but then criticized Jesus for doing the opposite. When Jesus took food from the fields to feed his hungry disciples and healed a man with a withered hand, the Pharisees refused to see the good and criticized the fact that he broke Sabbath laws.

Society is no different today. People still continue to be contrary and to rely on their own intellectual and practical abilities to forge their own way through life. We do not have to look far into the news or on TV to see examples of ‘self-made’ men and women.

So, what can we say and do to show some signs of the Kingdom in our society and show the presence of King Jesus?

Firstly, we have our own stories which we can speak of to those we meet. Those stories which show that we trust in Someone greater than the people and possessions which others turn to. We trust in a God who intervenes in our lives and brings us hope and healing. Telling simple stories of God’s provision for our lives can affect others deeply.

Secondly, we can pray with and for those we meet because we have a link into the power of Heaven all the time and can speak to God who changes lives on behalf of those who do not yet know Him.

Thirdly, we can show genuine love for those we meet by helping them when they are in need.

 

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Jesus, please help us to show signs of your kingdom to at least one person we meet today. Amen

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