Understanding Blessing Through Faith

Scripture: John the Baptist, who was now in prison, heard about all the miracles the Messiah was doing, so he sent his disciples to ask Jesus, "Are you really the one we are waiting for, or shall we keep on looking?" Jesus told them, "Go back to John and tell him about the miracles you’ve seen me do ... Then give him this message, 'Blessed are those who don’t doubt me.'" Matthew 11:2-4,6

Observation: From prison, John the Baptist asks this very straightforward yes-or-no question ... Jesus, are you the Messiah? It is actually a question Jesus confirms to others, and in some cases declares without it being asks. However, Jesus refuses to directly answer John. Instead, he recounts his miracles, then concludes ... "blessed are those who don't doubt me."

By doing this, Jesus is not refusing to answer John, but is rather creating space for John to be blessed. If Jesus answered, "yes, I am Messiah," then John simply gains knowledge of a fact. Instead, Jesus answers, "John, you know the prophets well, and you now know that I completely fulfill all the prophets declare, so have faith in God's promise." With this, John can himself declare his faith in Jesus as Messiah, and by that faith receive the blessing of eternal life promised by the Lord.

As we know, salvation comes from faith ... faith in Jesus as Messiah, as the redemptive promise of the Lord. In this manner, Jesus always provides space for faith to work, without which no one could be saved.

Application: I logically know this is the reason the Lord doesn't directly interfere with life, as he loves us so much that he leaves room for us to express our faith. Jesus exhibited this same value at every turn. He does this for John. Later, when Peter declares Jesus to be Messiah, he tells the disciples not to tell others ... not to keep it secret, but rather to ensure they don't simply announce it as 'fact' and instead allow room for everyone to believe it for themselves.

Every blessing is an outpouring of God's love, but is activated by our faith. Our faith and God's blessing are in a relationship. We can believe in a great many things about God, such as his existence, authority, power, love, and justice, and in return receive daily blessings for food, health, provision, and family. However, the most special faith is belief in Jesus as Messiah, and the corresponding blessing is eternal life in heaven.

Prayer: Jesus, you are the Messiah, the promised son of God, as pronounced from creation for the reconciliation of all mankind. Thank you for your sacrifice, of which I was never worthy as someone who should have been required to pay for my own sins. You, Jesus, are my Lord and savior. Amen.