September 2, 2026 - Matthew 11-13

John was in prison, and it would not be long until his head would be taken from him by Herod.  Now, John was the one prophesied by Isaiah, almost 800 years previously:  “A voice cries:  ‘In the wilderness prepare the way of the LORD; make straight in the desert a highway for our God’” (Isaiah 40:3).  He is the one who himself told of the coming of Messiah:  “He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry” (3:11).  And now, from prison, he sends his followers to Jesus to ask, “Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?” (11:3)  “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.  And blessed is the one who is not offended by me’” (11:4-6).  In so many ways, Jesus was identified and proved as Messiah.  And he says, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (11:28).  “He who has ears to hear, let him hear” (11:15).  He who has eyes to see, look and see.  He whose heart is drawn to the Savior, turn to him and live.

Art thou weary, art thou languid,

art thou sore distrest?

‘Come to me,’ saith One, ‘and coming,

be at rest!’

If I ask him to receive me,

will he say me nay?

Not till earth, and not till heaven

pass away.

Finding, following, keeping, struggling,

is he sure to bless?

Angels, martyrs, prophets, virgins,

answer, yes!   --Stephen of Mar Sabas (775)