December 16, 2001
Third Sunday in Advent
Norwegian Lutheran memorial Church
Pastor Ole Amund Gillebo

Matthew 11:2-11 Who is He?

The question of John the Baptist "Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?" we all know from our own lives. Is it really Jesus Christ that we have to put our faith upon, or is it someone else?

It is hardly anyone present here today that has never asked this question. To speak frankly I know this question almost every day. But how can you be a Pastor? You may ask. If John the Baptist could be a prophet, I may be a standard Lutheran Pastor and still ask the same question. May I hurry on to add, my thoughts of doubt are not the only ones in my life, and not the biggest ones. In the same time I have faith that is at least as strong as my critical questions.

How could John ask this question? In strong words he had proclaimed that the one who will come after me, he is much greater than I am, and I am not good enough to carry his sandals. You see something does not fit. Yes, John had a
picture of Jesus that was not in accordance with his doing. He was waiting for a Messiah that would judge and reorganize the situation, the axe is ready to cut down the tree at the roots; every tree that does not bear good fruit
will be cut down and thrown in the fire. He has the winnowing shovel with him to thresh out all grain, he will separate the wheat from the chaff. But instead of this Jesus walked around quiet, he welcomed everyone to the kingdom of God, he offered forgiveness of sins and healed the sick. He said in plain words: I have not to come to judge the world, but to offer salvation. Could this man really be the one who was to come?

Nevertheless John the Baptist who really had such great thoughts of Jesus and who preached such a powerful message, was rid of doubt in his heart. All who have faith also have doubt. How can that be? It might be a picture of him that does not fit and it might be expectations to him that do not come true. The ways of God are not always ours. We face suffering and pain that we do not understand. Our faith is put to trial.

John was in prison, this was not fair, and Jesus was out there but he did not lift a finger.  When we face suffering and when our hopes fail and our prayers are not answered than the same question occur! Sometimes it comes from our own reflections. Is it possible that the Man from Nazareth might be the Son of God? John did not hesitate to ask the critical question and he brought it before Jesus himself. He asked his friends for help. We are to do just the same.

What is the answer of Jesus? He does not involve in a discussion about it and he does not offer any theological lesson and he does not attempt to conceive.  He just simply refers to his doing; 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! He does not present any theory that takes away all doubt, but he presents his well doings. He does not deny the question, quite opposite, he is serious about it and says; notice what I am doing, and hear what I am saying!

Jesus Christ has works. He refers all of us to his doings. The Faith is built upon his doings. It is founded upon facts. Our faith is not built upon our doings but built upon what Christ has accomplished. His work shows to us who he is. Where words and arguments do not work out his doings will work out.

Jesus said himself; if not for anything else, believe what you see of my works! When John expected that Jesus should separate the justice from injustice Jesus instead refers to his acts of salvation, the proclamation of God's kingdom
and the healing of the sick. According to the prophets the state of being blind, deaf, dead and poor was the situation of the people before God's intervention
.
Messiah and his Kingdom was promised to bring new eyes and ears, new power, cleansing and new life. Jesus refers to what is written and to his works and says; See what is going on! The new aeon has arrived!

How John responded to this answer we do not know for sure.
What we know for sure is that every one has to respond by himself. That is why Jesus does not offer any proof, he just refers to. Faith is a personal choice.  No one can give any answer on behalf of you and me; not even Jesus himself.
He only refers to his well doings and his acts of salvation, and we can only see and listen.

Even this morning we are referred to the acts of the new aeon of salvation; the baptism, the prayer, the Word and the Holy Communion. Forgiveness of sins and new life are present because Christ and his actions are present. What we
see and listen is from him. From our heart the question still occur; who is he? But everything that is going on in this worship service says; He is Christ, he and no one else! What is your respons?


Amen.