The Poor Have Good News

Now when Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he went on from there to teach and proclaim his message in their cities. When John heard in prison what the Messiah was doing, he sent word by his disciples and said to him, “Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?” Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have good news brought to them. And blessed is anyone who takes no offense at me.” Matthew 11:1-6

The visible and outward signs of the presence of Jesus is healing new life and good news. Too often our churches are full of political struggles that are none of those. Too often, we get hurt and walk away just when our hands, our time and our service are needed most. Jesus always tell people to declare what they have witnessed - the love of God changing lives for the good. Our squabbles are no help to the Gospel of Jesus.

Some people came from John to find out who Jesus was. Jesus answered them to see what has been done and report back. The good news of God is always in the doing, not in the talk, the theories and the politics. There are no winners when we follow Jesus, but rather those who bring good news with action and service. Today, Jesus asks us to not worry about the trappings or the politics, but rather get up to our elbows in service of others.

Today, I ask God help me to leave politics alone and get busy in service of others. May we all follow Jesus who brings healing and new life for all.