Communion Meditation (11) – Does Jesus Disappoint Me?

“‘Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?’…. ‘Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me.’” – Matthew 11:3, 6

Jesus was not acting as John thought the Messiah would act. John was in prison, and Jesus didn’t seem to care. He sent to Jesus to ask if He were the One.

Jesus did not answer directly. He simply told John’s disciples to return and tell John what they saw and heard, and He added a cryptic comment: “Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me.”

How could I fall away on account of Jesus?

Some became disappointed in Him because they thought His sayings were too hard. Today, some still think He demands too much and rationalize away what He says.

Some were disappointed in Him because He was too easy. He opened His arms to “publicans and sinners,” whom these “over righteous” folks shuned. Some still have such hard attitudes to those who do not “measure up” that they look for reasons to reject the broken ones of this world instead of receiving them as Jesus did.

Some rejected Him because His agenda was not the same as theirs. They looked for political power; He came with spiritual power. They looked for vengence on their enemies; He came loving them and seeking to change them into friends.

What about me? Am I offended because He is so gracious to sinners whom I condemn? Do I look at His expectations of me as being too hard and harsh? Do I forget His agenda, to substitute one of my own?

At this Table, do I reorient my heart and life to seek first His kingdom and His righteousness? If not, do I really care He is here?

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