Matthew 11:16-19
Find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Sit comfortably and breathe deeply for a few seconds before you begin. As you breathe in, say the name of Jesus and become aware of his presence with you. As you breathe out, open your mind and heart to receive whatever Jesus has for you today.
In this passage Jesus ends his remarks about John the Baptizer. Read Matthew 11:16-19 allowing Jesus’ illustration to come to life in your imagination.
Even after the clarity of the prophecies in the Older Testament, Jesus is not the Messiah that many people expect. He is not the stereotypical conquering hero, and his Kingdom is not the imperialistic force for whom the people of Israel had hoped.
When John questions Jesus, Jesus points to the words of Isaiah, and when Jesus affirms John to the crowds, he points to the words of the prophet Malachi. But for those who want a Messiah on their own terms he quotes a nursery rhyme.
It is childish to demand that our lives line up with our expectations. Life rarely, if ever, works like that. Following Jesus means allowing him to set the course and lead the way on his terms. And his terms lead to a life of meaning and purpose.
What do you think, or how do you feel about the idea of allowing Jesus this kind of freedom to lead your life? Take a moment to express your thoughts and feelings honestly with him.
Read Matthew 11:16-19 again zeroing in on Jesus’ words about wisdom.
The solemn wisdom of John led many people to turn from their rebellious ways and prepare their hearts to recognize the coming Messiah. The wisdom of Jesus broke the chains and restored the bodies and souls of many broken people. Jesus’ shalom wisdom resulted in celebration that God’s Kingdom was at hand and restoration was possible.
And the wisdom of Jesus is still restoring lives today. We begin to see the evidence through eyes of faith once we surrender our expectations and allow Jesus to be the stable center of our lives.
Take these last few minutes of meditation and consider your own expectations of Jesus. How much would you say you are trying to control your own destiny as opposed to allowing Jesus to lead the way?
Now go to silence and listen.
Do you sense Jesus inviting you to a new way of thinking or acting today?
What will you do in response?
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