THE WORDS OF JESUS
Creative, Causative, Prophetic, Instructional – Part 50
“Go and report what you hear and see”
Jesus answered and said to them, “Go and report to John what you hear and see: those who are blind receive sight and those who are lame walk, those with leprosy are cleansed and those who are deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have the gospel preached to them. And, blessed is any person who does not take offense at Me.” – The Words of Jesus, Matthew 11:1-6.
These words of Jesus, meant for John, are good advice to all of us who call ourselves Christians at any time in any age.
Sadly, however, most of us, Christians, have never seen those who are blind receive sight and those who lame walk, those with leprosy are cleansed and those who are deaf hear, the dead are raised, and honestly, many of us have never been present when the poor have the gospel preached to them.
These words from Jesus came as a response to a question posed by a disciple of John the Baptist, “When Jesus had finished giving instructions to His twelve disciples, He went on from there to teach and preach in their cities. Now while in prison, John heard about the works of Christ, and he sent word by his disciple, and said to Him, “Are You the Coming One, or are we to look for someone else?” (Matthew 11:2).
This could be a microcosm or a ‘word picture’ of an age-old question which is posed daily by thousands of Christ seekers, “Are You the Coming One, or are we to look for someone else?” And the answer given by Jesus is still the same, “Go and report what you hear and see: those who are blind receive sight and those who are lame walk, those with leprosy are cleansed and those who are deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have the gospel preached to them. And, blessed is any person who does not take offense at Me.”
Please listen and consider, dear brothers and sisters and ‘seekers’, what we have substituted in the daily search for Christ in our lives. We ‘go to church’ and listen to messages and sermons, attend speakers’ forums, go to classes, sit in chat groups, meet and greet one another. We even invite others to ‘come to church’ so they can enjoy the same activities. All of these are good things, but are we failing in the main things?
We are called and sent to testify to the One Living God and to do the works that He has prepared for us, ahead of time, that we should walk in them. (see Ephesians 2:10).
I hear many Christians make excuses, such as, “I am not called to do these things” or “this makes me uncomfortable. I just can’t do that”, or that “miracles have mostly ceased”. There are others who say they believe in miracles, but can only recount one or two times they have actually seen such works, if any. Most have never personally seen or experienced the miraculous works of God so they cannot testify to them.
Jesus, however, says miracles cease where there is unbelief. (see Matthew 13:58)
So, the same as when Jesus responded to the crowds that followed Him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you are seeking me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For on him God the Father has set his seal.” Then they said to him, “What must we do, to be doing the works of God?” Jesus answered them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.” (see John 6:26-28)
Disciples of Jesus, for all ages, have been called and sent by Jesus by His authority to drive out impure spirits and to heal every disease and sickness. And as you go, proclaim this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.
“Do not get any gold or silver or copper to take with you in your belts — no bag for the journey or extra shirt or sandals or a staff, for the worker is worth his keep. Whatever town or village you enter, search there for some worthy person and stay at their house until you leave. As you enter the home, give it your greeting. If the home is deserving, let your peace rest on it; if it is not, let your peace return to you. If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, leave that home or town and shake the dust off your feet. Truly, I tell you, it will be more bearable for Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town.”
“Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
This has always been the way.
Your Brother and Friend,
Mike Young
PS: I realize that I am open to criticism at times for my direct approach on these matters – even ridiculed. People say that I am too harsh or too direct. But I have never heard or read where Jesus was reticent, apologetic or begged anyone to believe in Him or His works.
The time, for everyone, is short. Whether Jesus returns today or your time on earth ends today, time is short for all of us. Today is the day of our salvation.
PREVIOUS: THE WORDS OF JESUS – What Are You To Do With Them?, “Whoever receives you receives Me”, Part 49.
NEXT: THE WORDS OF JESUS – What Are You To Do With Them?, “ What did you go out into the wilderness to see?”, Part 51
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