11 After Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he went on from there to teach and preach in the towns of Galilee.2 When John, who was in prison, heard about the deeds of the Messiah, he sent his disciples 3 to ask him, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?”
4 Jesus replied, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see: 5 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. 6 Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.”
7 As John’s disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swayed by the wind?8 If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear fine clothes are in kings’ palaces. 9 Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.10 This is the one about whom it is written:
“‘I will send my messenger ahead of you,
who will prepare your way before you.’
11 Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. 12 From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been subjected to violence, and violent people have been raiding it. 13 For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John. 14 And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come. 15 Whoever has ears, let them hear.
16 “To what can I compare this generation? They are like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling out to others:
17 “‘We played the pipe for you,
and you did not dance;
we sang a dirge,
and you did not mourn.’
18 For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.’ 19 The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’ But wisdom is proved right by her deeds.”
Matthew 11:1-19
Who is Jesus really? This is the most important question in life. And for John, he didn't want to know everyone’s opinions - he went straight to the source. Today, we are going to do something a little similar. We are going to use our imaginations to encounter Jesus and ask the same question directly of him.
Find a quiet spot. Pause and breathe.
Imagine that you are in a safe place. Choose the first place that comes to you and stick with it. Imagine the details of the space. What can you see? What can you feel? What can you hear? What can you smell?
Now, imagine that Jesus was to come into that space. What does he look like? What is the expression on his face as he looks at you?
If Jesus was to speak to you today, what would he say? What is the tone of his words?
Remember that question, John the Baptist asked, ‘Are you the one to come?’ Ask Jesus for yourself, ‘who are you really? Would you reveal more of yourself to me today?’
Next, ask Jesus if there is anything that he has for you? It could be a gift or some information to help you to follow him today.
Finally, take some time to thank Jesus for meeting you and for what he has shared with you today.
