Is this the Messiah we should expect in Advent?

Psalm 40, 54 • Psalm 51
Isa. 10:5-19 • 2 Pet. 2:17-22 • Matt. 11:2-15

We are in Advent. It is the beginning of our Christian calendar year. We are preparing to celebrate the coming of Jesus in the Christmas story and for the remainder of the church year. Today’s Psalms offer clear images, to me, of God’s constant character of mercy, loving kindness and forgiveness. Don’t they set the flavor of a Messiah that we have come to expect?

However, John the Baptist preaches of the Messiah he expects will come with fire and brimstone, with a winnowing fork in hand, to exercise judgment, as one who will “clean house.”

Matthew tells us of Jesus’ very different Messiah in his answer to John’s question. Instead, John hears and sees one who brings forgiveness, healing, and mercy. Matthew’s Jesus says, “I desire mercy and not sacrifice.” He says that twice. John was and we may be puzzled by this Messiah or are we ready for Him? That is our challenge and opportunity during Advent.

Do we really expect a Messiah who insists on coming to forgive, to show mercy, to call even the unrighteous to repentance? Matthew’s question of discipleship is directly put to us, of making John’s question really our own, and thus facing us with the issues of faith and unbelief, of blessing and offense, which are at the heart of this gospel.

As we prepare during Advent for the remainder of the year, how great a promise does God hold out for you and me? Matthew’s answer is a promise so great that even the least person in the kingdom of God is greater than John. It is a promise so radical that even one as great as John can miss it as he looks God in the wrong key, and so risks missing the kingdom when it comes, he is missing the mercy and justice.

Written by Walt Eilers

Walt Eilers celebrates with St. Paul’s online and with St. Mark’s Little Rock outside. What a great combination each Sunday morning—wind, rain, cold or heat.