You Have a Place at Grace - 12/11/2025

“Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?” (Matt.11:2).

Jeffery Gibbs writes “John’s question has occupied interpreters for centuries.” Taken at face value, it means the Baptist is seeking some sort of confirmation on Jesus’ identity in a time of doubt, an interpretation that’s not easy to stomach. Wasn’t John the fulfillment of Malachi 3:1, “Behold, I send My messenger before Your face, Who will prepare Your way before You”? How could the one who once preached “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29) now question Jesus’ identity? Many early church fathers refused this interpretation, arguing John’s question was for the sake of his disciples, not himself. They needed to hear Jesus’ confession for the sake of continuing the ministry after John’s imminent death. And hear they would. There’s every reason to believe Jesus’ testimony of Himself would’ve benefited John’s followers.

Interpretations seeking to maintain John’s integrity and faith display a piety that’s commendable and even appreciated. That said, there’s no theological reason to whitewash the human nature of John any more than we need to elevate Mary beyond the limits of Holy Scripture. Indeed, John’s role in salvation history was decreed by God as was Moses, Elijah, Jeremiah, Jonah, and others called into service whose sins aren’t hidden. John was languishing in prison for preaching the Word. Being the “messenger” of God brought consequences, something quite common for the people of God confessing Truth in a hostile world. It makes sense the frailty of weak, sinful flesh would doubt the promises of God in moments of terrible suffering. No one born of women was greater than John (11:11), but he we still born of a woman and thus an heir of original sin that plagues us all.

Jesus’ words “blessed is he who is not offended because of Me” would’ve been a powerful declaration rebuking unbelief and strengthening faith. He needed to hear preaching like the rest of us. He needed God’s Word, God’s confirmation of the Promise as do we especially in times of despair and doubt. Like John, we go to Jesus and by His Word faith receives strength to hold onto those promises John preached even when it meant his death. The One who makes the lame walk, the blind see, the deaf hear; the One who raises the dead and preaches the Gospel to the poor is the One Who comforts us in our affliction, grants us restoration and  is Himself the good news of immortality in that Kingdom of Heaven.

-By Rev. Ryan J. Ogrodowicz, “You Have a Place at Grace,” December 11, 2025

Grace Lutheran Church - Brenham, Texas

The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod