Steadfast Christmas!

Matthew 11:6&7

"6 And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.

7 And as they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind?"

Merry Christmas!

This season stirs all kinds of emotions—joy for some, deep suffering for others. Our expectations are shaped by our experiences.

In Matthew 11, after a year in prison, John the Baptist has a moment of doubt and sends disciples to ask Jesus, “Art Thou He that should come, or do we look for another?"

Jesus replies by pointing to His works—echoing Isaiah 35:5–6: the blind see, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor hear good news. These are not just miracles; they are proof of His messianic identity and the arrival of God’s kingdom of healing, justice, and salvation.

Once John’s messengers leave, Jesus turns to the crowd and asks what they went into the wilderness to see: “A reed shaken by the wind?” A reed symbolizes someone weak and easily swayed. John was the opposite—steadfast in conviction, unmoved by fear or popularity, even in prison. Jesus uses this to affirm John’s integrity and to clarify that his question did not stem from wavering faith.

Jesus then pronounces a blessing: “Blessed is the one who is not offended by me.” The Greek word here (skandalizō) means to stumble or fall away—often because Jesus’ humble origins, demanding teachings, or call to total allegiance disappoint worldly expectations. True faith perseveres through hardship and rejects false expectations.

Christmas is much like John the Baptist: it boldly announces Jesus’ arrival to the world. Sometimes the world celebrates; sometimes it tries to silence or imprison the message. May we remain steadfast—like John—in our praise and worship of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Christmas Day and every day!