In Matthew 11:2-5, we read, “When John heard in prison what Christ was doing, he sent his disciples to ask him, ‘Are you the one who was 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 cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor.’”
John the Baptist was in prison at the time, and as the one appointed by God to prepare the way for the Messiah, he probably had some doubts about Jesus. Jesus came to open God’s kingdom to everyone; even though he might not have done it in the way that some people, like John the Baptist, would have expected.
As we continue to pray to be more like Jesus and to focus less on ourselves, we can follow Jesus’ example of opening up God’s kingdom to all people. Jesus healed people, and he preached the Good News. We have to remember that sharing the Good News isn’t always a matter of preaching a sermon; many times it’s simply showing God’s love through good deeds.
On Saturday, April 16, we saw about 75 people from Memorial Church of Christ following that example by serving others and sharing the Good News. We had people working in our food distribution; we sent a large delegation to the prayer walk in downtown Detroit; and we sent a crew to Wolverine Christian Service Camp to clear a new camping area. Nobody preached a sermon, but hungry people were fed physically and spiritually, and God’s people showed his kingdom to many who may not yet know Jesus. It may not seem like a lot to us today, but for those who hear the Good News and experience good deeds prompted by God’s love, it could make an eternal difference. Watch for more opportunities to share the Good News and do good deeds throughout the month of May.