Good News

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2 When John, who was in prison, heard about the deeds of the Messiah, he sent his disciples 3 to ask him, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?” 4 Jesus replied, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see: 5 The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. 6 Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.” (Matthew 11:2-6)

As Jesus' ministry began, John the baptizer was imprisoned for speaking the truth to and about those in power. John had already baptized Jesus and proclaimed him to be the one who was greater than himself, whose sandals he was not worth to carry (Matthew 3:11). But as he likely understood that his life was nearing its end, John felt the need to verify that Jesus was really "the one" and that John had, therefore, fulfilled his mission. John sent his own disciples to ask Jesus directly. Jesus answered with the evidence of God's power, grace and truth working through him to bring about restoration and renewal. Jesus didn't just preach the good news that God's kingdom had come near, he was the good news.

All around us it's easy to find pain and desolation. People everywhere are aching for good news. Where and how can we embody the good news of Jesus? When people encounter us, how can we ensure they know that God's kingdom has come near to them? We can join with and support those who are already working in compassionate ministries. We can speak life to a dying world and truth to those blind to God's merciful justice. Even as we move through this season of anxious anticipation, we can live into the reign of God by being the good news here and now. May God's kingdom come and God's will be done on earth as it is in heaven - in and through each of us.

5 Blessed are those whose help is the God of Jacob,

whose hope is in the Lord their God.

6 He is the Maker of heaven and earth,

the sea, and everything in them—

he remains faithful forever.

7 He upholds the cause of the oppressed

and gives food to the hungry.

The Lord sets prisoners free,

8 the Lord gives sight to the blind,

the Lord lifts up those who are bowed down,

the Lord loves the righteous.

9 The Lord watches over the foreigner

and sustains the fatherless and the widow,

but he frustrates the ways of the wicked.

10 The Lord reigns forever,

your God, O Zion, for all generations.

Praise the Lord.

(Psalm 146:5-10)