John the Baptist, who was in prison, heard about all the things the Messiah was doing. So he sent his disciples to ask Jesus, “Are you the Messiah we’ve been expecting, or should we keep looking for someone else?” Jesus told them, “Go back to John and tell him what you have heard and seen— the blind see, the lame walk, those with leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, and the Good News is being preached to the poor.” And he added, “God blesses those who do not fall away because of me.” [Matthew 11.2-6]
How did John the Baptist know Jesus was the Messiah? The miracles and the Good News (forgiveness as the result of repentance).
How do we know Jesus is the Messiah? He performed miracles and preached the Good News.
How do people know Jesus dwells in us - because we tell them He does? Nope. People can only recognize Jesus in us the same way Jesus is recognized in person: through the performance of miracles and the preaching of the Good News.
It would be different I suppose had Jesus not given very precise descriptions of what our lives should look like:
“I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father. [John 14.12]
Again he said, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you.” [John 20.21]
But Jesus also said:
And I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. Whatever you forbid on earth will be forbidden in heaven, and whatever you permit on earth will be permitted in heaven.” [Matthew 16.19]
If you forgive anyone’s sins, they are forgiven. If you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.” [John 20.23]
Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” [Matthew 28.18-20]
It was also written that this message would be proclaimed in the authority of his name to all the nations, beginning in Jerusalem: ‘There is forgiveness of sins for all who repent.’ [Luke 24.47]
Jesus couldn't call Himself Messiah if He didn't look like Messiah.
Likewise, we cannot call ourselves Christians if we do not look like Christ!
We might have a problem... The implications made here are serious... and it is time the Church takes a good look in the mirror and gets real about what it sees.
Father, forgive me for not looking and acting like Jesus.
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