December 25, 2021 – Isaiah 35:5-6 & Matthew 11:2-6

We know that Jesus performed many miracles during his earthly ministry. Isaiah looked to a new day, both for Israel and in connection with Messiah, when miracles would be seen: “Then will the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped. Then will the lame leap like a deer, and the mute tongue shout for joy. Water will gush forth in the wilderness and streams in the desert” (Isaiah 35:5-6).

Remember John’s imprisonment and his inquiry? “When John, who was in prison, heard about the deeds of the Messiah, he sent his disciples to ask him, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?’ Jesus replied, ‘Go back and report to John what you hear and see: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor” (Matthew 11:2-6). Messiah would do these things. Jesus did these things. Jesus is Messiah!

Jesus heard with deep compassion pleas for

healing, cries of pain;

cured the lame and cleansed the leper, gave the

blind their sight again.

At his voice, tormenting spirits fled a madman’s

tortured mind;

clothed and healed, he went rejoicing, home and

family to find. -- Joy F. Patterson (1931)