“John’s disciples told him about all these things. Calling two of them, 19 he sent them to the Lord to ask, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?” 20 When the men came to Jesus, they said, “John the Baptist sent us to you to ask, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?’” 21 At that very time Jesus cured many who had diseases, sicknesses and evil spirits, and gave sight to many who were blind. 22 So he replied to the messengers, “Go back and report to John what you have seen and heard: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy[a] are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. 23 Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.” Luke 7.18-23
“Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?” (Luke 7:19–20)
This was the question John the Baptist had his disciples ask Jesus. I don’t believe John asked it out of personal doubt or because he didn’t know the answer. Rather, I believe he already knew and sent his disciples with this question to confirm publicly that Jesus was the Messiah and to bear witness to Jesus as the Christ. John wanted his followers to hear the evidence for themselves and recognize Jesus as Savior and Lord.
“Are you the one?” the disciples asked.
Jesus did not reply with a simple “Absolutely, I am!” or a straightforward “Yes.” Instead, He answered with evidence. Everyone knew the Messiah would come performing signs and wonders. So what proof did Jesus offer that He was the Christ? He gave a list:
1. The blind now see,
2. The lame walk,
3. Lepers are cleansed,
4. The deaf hear,
5. The dead are raised,
6. Good news is preached to the poor.
These six signs—drawn especially from Isaiah 35:5–6 and 61:1 (with the raising of the dead echoed in passages like Isaiah 26:19)—show that the Messiah would bring redemption in exactly this way. Jesus pointed to His works and said, in effect, “Look at what is happening; the Scriptures are being fulfilled before your eyes.”
“Are you the one?”
I would say, without hesitation, yes! Jesus provided overwhelming evidence through His miracles and the fulfillment of prophecy that He is the Chosen One of God.
What does this mean for us today?
The question now turns personal: Is Jesus the one for me? He may be the one for others—for my parents, my pastor, my friends—but is He the one for me? Billions around the world have discovered true life in Christ. I have decided that He is the one for me—my Lord and my Savior, the One around whom my life revolves (or should!).
We have just celebrated His birth this Advent season. Yet the question “Is Jesus the one for you?” remains for each person to answer individually. Will you make Him your Lord and Savior? Will you let Him guide and direct your life? Draw near to Jesus today. He is waiting with open arms. Invite Him to be your God and King—not just for this day, but for eternity.
“O Lord God, You are faithful. I am only a weak vessel You use to advance Your kingdom. That is all I am doing. Some days I make more progress than others, but whatever I do for You, You will bless. The advance of Your kingdom does not depend on me but on Your Spirit to guide. I can only do what I can do; You will do the rest. You will bring the harvest; You will bear the fruit. Come now, Lord Jesus; make Your home in my heart. For You are good, and Your love endures forever. Amen.”