Reader,

Does it feel like Christmas? Isn't it easy to get distracted?

Everyday, I have to intentionally remember that God is at work in my life.

Because the Christmas season is an opportunity to cultivate a deeper desire for Jesus.

But that raises the question: who is "Jesus"?

Do we get to make it up? If we're going to have a relationship with the God who is there, we need to carefully read the Scriptures.

So this week's essay invites you - and me - to consider who Jesus really is.

​

It's an honor to serve you!

Carson

What's in a name? That which we call a rose

By any other name would smell as sweet.

— Shakespeare, Romeo & Juliet

Shakespeare reminds us that as long as you're smelling roses, you can call them whatever you like!

But if someone asks you to smell their "aroma," you might have questions! Will you take a whiff of floral perfume – or some pungent B.O.?

Names can be arbitrary; what matters is the reality behind the label.

Similarly, the name of Jesus isn't as important as Jesus' actual identity.

During Advent, we remember the first coming of Christ and anticipate his second coming. So it's crucial to ask: who is this "Jesus" we expect to return?

And as it turns out, this is a question many asked during his ministry!

For instance, in Matthew 11, we see that even John the Baptist doubted whether Jesus was the promised Messiah. As he sat in jail, he got discouraged by his circumstances. If Jesus was the Messiah who would liberate God's people from their oppressors, then why was John suffering?

At some point, his desperation grew so intense that John risked his reputation and sent his disciples to ask Jesus a pointed question: "Are you the one to come, or should we expect someone else?"

Behind his question might be an indirect request: "If you're the Messiah, can you get me out of prison?"

John might even be implying: "How can you go around claiming to be the Messiah and not help me out?

In his commentary on Matthew, R.T. France notes that Jesus' reply to John provides evidence that goes above and beyond the prophetic expectations of the Messiah in the book of Isaiah.

Jesus says:

After sending his reply to John, Jesus pauses to honor John to the watching crowds. Perhaps some felt such loyalty to Jesus that they looked down on John for asking a sincere question. Yet Jesus didn't demand unquestioning loyalty; he welcomed doubts and objections.

So, it's noteworthy how Jesus speaks about John the Baptist. In particular, Jesus contrasts the sacrificial lifestyle of John's prophetic ministry with the indulgent comforts of those who wear soft clothing in palaces. Jesus also points out that anyone connected to God's kingdom suffers violence - and John dies as a martyr.

In doing so, Jesus challenges the default religious expectation. We prefer transactional religion: God will bless us if we obey God.

Instead, Jesus offers an ominous foreshadowing. Even though John is an exceptional prophet - the Elijah who was to come - violence is in his future (see Matthew 11:7-15, 14:1-12).

So, during Advent, what "Jesus" are we anticipating?

Are we in awe of a Messiah who went to the bloody cross?

Do we ignore - or imitate - Jesus' example of healing the blind, the lame, the lepers, and the deaf?

His compassion is inspiring but challenging: are we willing to care for those in great need?

From an intellectual point of view, do we find it unbelievable that Jesus raised people from the dead? Are we confident that our God does miracles? Or do we discuss a generic "hope" that never explains how hope will actually arrive?

It's honorable that Jesus told the good news to the poor. Even if they were never prosperous, he offered them eternal life in his presence - and the joy of living in the new heavens and earth. If this life is all there is, it's unbearably cruel to those with the least.

But far from preaching a message of delayed gratification, Jesus also cared about their difficult circumstances. He spent time in their homes, knew their names, healed their diseases, and advocated for their flourishing. He directly confronted those who exploited them. Jesus offered good news that was both-and, not either-or.

That's why, sitting in prison, John doubted Jesus was the Messiah. Why was John still in jail if Jesus was the one to come?

As I sit with this uncomfortable passage, it leads to introspection: Is this the Jesus I want to return to earth?

I prefer Jesus to be like a kindly Santa: he puts me on the good list, deposits Christmas presents under the tree, and hardly disturbs my sleep.

John the Baptist asked Jesus an earnest question: "Are you the one to come, or should we expect someone else?"

As we journey through Advent, it's a question we still need to ask ourselves today.

It’s no good worshipping a plastic Jesus that conforms to our imagination.

Instead, may God give us hearts that long for the coming King!

​Discuss this essay in the Uncommon Pursuit community:

https://up.uncommonpursuit.net/t/what-jesus-are-you-waiting-for/3328

Join the Uncommon Pursuit community as we read and discuss The Gift of Advent: