So he [Jesus] 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 are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the Good News is preached to the poor.”
Traditionally, apologetics has been concerned with developing rational arguments that offer convincing proof to the seeker or the skeptic that faith in Jesus is plausible. This kind of intellectual engagement plays a crucial role in the overall mission of the Church. However, well-articulated arguments are not the only way to convince someone that Jesus is true.
John the Baptist was a significant religious figure at the same time as Jesus. He had spent his life telling others that a prophet was going to come, one who would bring in the kingdom of God in new and dynamic ways. As we read in Luke 7:18-23, John thinks that this prophet could well be Jesus, so he sends two of his followers to enquire, to see if Jesus can convince them that he is the one.
When asked if he is the one who is coming to bring God’s kingdom, Jesus answers by healing the sick, casting out evil spirits, and preaching Good News to the poor. Based on these actions, Jesus invites John’s disciples to judge whether God’s kingdom is breaking in. Jesus doesn’t offer any intellectual rationale or a carefully crafted defence of his ministry. He just shows justice and compassion to those who are sick, poor, and marginalized. These are the proofs that he offers as confirmation of his credibility.
If the church is going to make Jesus credible in our world, we have to do what Jesus did: demonstrate the Good News by proclaiming and embodying it in works of justice and compassion for those around us who need healing, deliverance, and hope. These remain the most convincing “proofs” that Jesus’ kingdom is indeed at hand.
SCRIPTURE TO REFLECT ON: LUKE 7:18–23
REFLECTION QUESTIONS
1. What do you think are the most convincing proofs of God’s kingdom? What do you think your neighbour would think are the most convincing proofs?
2. How can the Good News be embodied in works of justice and compassion without becoming just a social gospel?
Lee Beach is assistant professor of Christian Ministry and director of Ministry Formation at McMaster Divinity College in Hamilton, ON. Lee has served in pastoral ministry with The Christian and Missionary Alliance for 22 years and is currently part of a new church plant with his wife, Joanne, in Ancaster, Ontario.
40 Days of Faith and Hope in Action 
Healing, deliverance and hope through Jesus is what makes the difference between secular social action and justice and compassion motivated by the hope of life transformation by becoming a Christ follower. I think Jesus used his compassion as a “hook” to direct people to the core of their need, which is spiritual. That is – a need to deal with their “sin nature” So, yes god loves us so much, he does a lot for us even when we ignore, or rebel against him, but bottom line is that he wants a relationship with us and will get our attention in whatever way that will work. So, we too are to love others, and be discerning in what will attract others to us and then have a platform to speak into their lives about the most important good news we could offer as HELP.
Actually human need is a bottomless pit, and we need God’s direction in approaching each person we meet, in order to get His perspective on what will be best in that situation. We should not be surprised at the endless unique approaches that will unfold as God directs us. Let us always remember not to use a “canned” approach or put God in a box. Also, let us not be dogmatic or critical of those not heavily involved in one approach or another. Let’s continue to work together as the body of Christ, each doing their part with acceptance and honor.
Wonderful contributing thoughts Rhona,
I especially like your comment “So, we too are to love others, and be discerning in what will attract others to us and then have a platform to speak into their lives about the most important good news we could offer as HELP”
I think too often as Christians we rely heavily on ‘materialistic evangelism’ as a way to engage others in faith ‘discussions,’ yet that is where we will contentedly remain stagnant believing that our Christian outreach duty has been done.
Shouldn’t we rather look beyond simply passing along great Christian literature, extending invitations to watch a sermon, videos, or simply bestowing our profound words of wisdom and instead engage in meaningful relationships?
While all of these material evangelistic tools are great resources for beginning a dialog, I wonder if we are actually prepared to go deeper into developing that relationship with the receiver since may get messy and even require us to step out of our comfort zone?