
2 very different objects
The first object is an
We use this to
The second object is a
We use this to
Both objects connect to
The axe
“Even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees. Every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.” —Matthew 3:10
“Even though a tenth remains it will be burned again. Leaving mere stumps from what used to be a mighty forest.” —Isaiah 6:13
John
The bandaid
“So his fame spread throughout all Syria, and they brought him all the sick, those afflicted with various diseases and pains, those oppressed by demons, those having seizures, and paralytics, and he healed them.” —Matthew 4:24
“Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped; then shall the lame man leap like a deer, and the tongue of the mute sing for joy.” —Isaiah 35:4-6
“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor” —Isaiah 61:1-2
Matthew has been building up
You can
- swing the
- bring the
(We tend to overemphasize one more than another.)
John’s question becomes our question.
“Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?” —Matthew 11:3
That is a shocking question!
Our objects help us to understand and
- John expected Jesus to come
- What about
When Jesus does not do what we
Jesus answer
“And Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind receive their sight and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them. Blessed is the one who is not offended by me.” —Matthew 11:4-5
Jesus might simply be pointing John (and you!) back to
Jesus might also be trying to give John a
Jesus is also giving a
Jesus is inviting John (and you!) to
Expect him to swing that axe AND bring the bandaid
Click in the box above to add your own thoughts.
Questions for discussion:
1 Which one do you tend to think about and emphasize most when it comes to the work of Jesus: The bandaid or the axe?
2 How is Jesus answer helpful to you?