Scripture: Matthew 11: 7-15

As John’s disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swayed by the wind? If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear fine clothes are in kings’ palaces. Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written:

“‘I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.’

Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been subjected to violence, and violent people have been raiding it. For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John. And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come. Whoever has ears, let them hear.”

Consider:

Jesus is asking John’s followers what they actually saw and heard in the wilderness…they had seen John, they had heard John, but had they actually listened and absorbed John’s message? Jesus argues no…not yet, at least.

Prophets often work this way. They stand right in front of us, speaking clearly, while their meaning slips past us.

Jesus reminds the crowd that John was not a celebrity nor was he just another man in weird clothes eating bugs... John was a prophet, THE prophet sent to prepare humanity for Jesus. The people knew the Scriptures, but this passage suggests that they may have missed the moment when those Scriptures came to life in front of them through John’s teaching.

Prophets can help us notice what we have learned to overlook. They name realities we have grown used to. They connect God’s promises from the past to God’s activity in the present.

Jesus says, “Whoever has ears, let them hear.” All too often we only recognize prophetic voices in hindsight. There is a reason we have the catch phrase “hindsight is 20/20”. After the wilderness, after the suffering, after the change, we realize that God was calling us to notice something important. God consistently invites us to look with fresh vision at things we once were blinded to. May we always have new eyes to see and new ears to hear the Good News as it comes to us, again and again.

Respond:

A challenge for this day: Practice Deep Listening

Make it a practice today (or if you’re really feeling bold, all week) to intentionally listen—without defensiveness—to voices you might usually dismiss: Family with whom you disagree, a mentor, a critic…Listen to HEAR, not to respond. Prophetic insight often comes through unexpected people.

Pray:

God of truth, open my eyes to see what I have missed. Help me listen deeply to the voices that call me back to You again and again. Give me ears to hear and a heart ready to respond. Amen.

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