1 After Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he went on from there to teach and preach in the towns of Galilee.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.”REFLECTIONSWritten by Keith Hengpoonthana“Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?” (verse 3). I totally did not expect John the Baptist to tell his disciples to go and ask Jesus that question. Wasn’t John only a few chapters ago declaring Jesus to be the one who offers baptism with “the Holy Spirit and fire” (Matt 3:11)? Wasn’t Jesus the one he had been preparing the way for?In response, Jesus tells John’s disciples simply to report back to John the miracles they have witnessed Jesus perform. But most importantly he ends with, “Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me” (verse 6).Jesus’ response should be one of encouragement for John the Baptist, who is currently in prison and will soon lose his life for speaking God’s Word. But it should also serve as an encouragement for all of us. Even John had his moments of doubt, because he couldn’t actually see Jesus’ miracles for himself. Sometimes we’d like to hear and see evidence that Jesus indeed is who he says he is, we want the miracles and the answered prayers for health and wealth. The truth is, Jesus says we’re blessed simply by not stumbling, by holding on in faith to him as God’s saving king.Personally, I find encouragement in reading the account of Jesus through the Bible especially in times of hardship. At these times being blessed may not mean that our troubles will disappear or be resolved, whether those involve sickness, financial hardship, relationship breakdowns or other trials. Jesus assures us time and time again that the blessings are still to come, and they will be so much better than anything this world has to offer. Please take this time together to pray that we do not stumble and that we hold fast to our one true king, Jesus our Lord.QUESTIONWhat were some of the things that Jesus did so we can know for sure that he is the Saviour God sent into the world?ABOUT THE AUTHORKeith is a member at our Bossley Park morning congregation.