Day 4: Matthew 11-13, From John the Baptist to Parables
In the beginning of this section of Scripture, we find out that John the Baptist is in prison. He's in prison and he's asking about Jesus. He sends his disciples to Jesus with the question, "Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?" Jesus responds by asking John's disciples to return with a report of what they have heard and seen. And what have they heard and seen? "Those who were blind are able to see. Those who were crippled are walking. People with skin diseases are cleansed. Those who are deaf now hear. Those who are dead are raised up. The poor have good news proclaimed to them." Jesus preaches good news to the poor, but he doesn't mince words either. In this passage there are words of comfort: "Come to me, all you who are struggling hard and carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest." I gravitate to passages like these, thirsty for comfort. But I can't help noticing ...