If you happen to be following along in the Bible Reading Plan, you’ve likely read through Matthew 11. The beginning of the chapter begins with a curious statement from John the Baptist.
Now when John heard in prison about the deeds of the Christ, he sent word by his disciples and said to him, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?’Matt 11:2-3
Apparently while John was in prison he was concerned over whether Jesus really was the promised Messiah (God’s chosen King and Savior). It’s likely that John thought Jesus was going to setup his physical kingdom, bringing blessing to those who repent and judgment on those who do not. Jesus responds, but in an indirect way.
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.’Matt 11:4-5
Jesus answers by pointing to what he was doing—the signs of the Messiah prophesied in the Old Testament. The blind receive sight (Isa 35:5); the lame walk (Isa 35:6); the deaf hear (Isa 35:5); the dead are raised (Isa 26:19); and the good news is preached to the poor (Isa 61:1). What Jesus was doing gave proof of who he was. He was the promised one, there is no need to look for another.
Later in the chapter those same mighty works are mentioned. Those mighty works point to Jesus as the Messiah and they demand a response—repentance.
Then he began to denounce the cities where most of his mighty works had been done, because they did not repent.Matt 11:20
So what is the proper response to who Jesus is? We are to repent, turn from our sin, turn from living for ourselves and living for Jesus Christ. He promises us rest when we do. No longer are we seeking the approval of others or trying to earn favor with God. Rather, we find rest in Jesus, peace with God and forgiveness of sins. Jesus is the Messiah and we must respond in repentance and come to him as little children.
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.Matt 11:28-29