Is He Enough?

In that hour he healed many people of diseases and plagues and evil spirits, and on many who were blind he bestowed sight. (Luke 7:18-28)

In this passage, we find John imprisoned, having to hear about the teachings and miracles of Jesus from behind bars. As John's entire life has been consumed by the proclamation of the coming Messiah who will free His people from bondage, he finds himself still in chains. In this very human look into John's heart, we see him begin to question Jesus' identity. "Is Jesus truly the Messiah? If so, then why am I still in chains?" He sends his disciples to go and ask Jesus a scandalous question, "Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?"

Let's remember the events of John's life. John was miraculously born of an elderly woman. He heard the audible voice of God calling him, lived in the wilderness only by being sustained by God, proclaimed the coming Messiah, had a massively successful ministry that impacted thousands, baptised Jesus Himself where the heavens opened up, and God the Father spoke, and later would be called the most remarkable man ever born of woman by Jesus Himself. And now John questions the identity of Jesus. When John's messengers asked Jesus if He was the one to come (Luke 7:21), Jesus didn't erupt in anger or frustration, pointing out how clearly, He has worked in John's life. Instead, in the presence of John's messengers, He said, "Go and tell John what you have seen and heard."

These miracles Jesus performed were direct fulfilment of the Old Testament prophecies of the coming Messiah by Isaiah. Jesus responded through action, proving His identity before their very eyes. But notice one prophecy Jesus didn't tell John, where Scripture says the Messiah will free the prisoners from the dungeon (Isaiah 42:7). For John, there was no physical freedom from prison coming. John would stay in jail and soon be beheaded for entertainment. Jesus never promised a comfortable life. He promised eternal life. Being good and faithful does not guarantee a life of prosperity. God is most glorified when life is at its worst, and He is still enough. For John, Jesus was enough. In this difficult passage, Luke invites us to be reminded that Jesus is sufficient because of who He is, our perfect Messiah. In this season of Lent, look deep into your soul and ask yourself, do you know who Jesus is, and is He enough for you?

LET US PRAY - King Jesus, hold us tight when we don't understand the tragedy on this side of heaven. Grant us strength to endure and eyes to see You clearly. Help us rest assured in the truth that You are enough in every season and circumstance. In Jesus' name. Amen.