Knowing it's Jesus Matthew 11:2-11

Jesus spoke about the signs of his being messiah to the followers of John the Baptist. And this same Jesus gave his friends a warning about false prophets,

the disciples came to him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will this be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?” Jesus answered them, “Beware that no one leads you astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Messiah!’ and they will lead many astray. Matthew 24:3-5 NRSV

We wait and watch for Messiah's coming. In our age many seek to claim a prophetic office. Some are just guessing what will come next in our ever uncertain world; and some are claiming inside knowledge from a divine source. And Jesus warned his friends not to be lead astray by following someone other than the Messiah.

As Christians we hope to meet Jesus soon. Looking at Matthew 11:2-11 we are reminded again what to look for when we search for God. Even John the Baptist, a true prophet, was searching and wondering if Jesus was the one. In prison word reached John of Jesus' ministry. John knew he himself wasn't the one. He knew that he was even unworthy to untie the sandals of the one.
As news of Jesus ministry reached John it became clear that God was up to something. Jesus was revealing the power of God not with teaching but by calling followers and performing acts of great power.
John the Forerunner sent his followers to check Jesus out,

Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?” Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have good news brought to them... Matthew 11:3-6 NRSV.

Jesus' words are the most plain directions we could ever follow to find Jesus.

Today as many claim to be prophets it is time to listen to Jesus word's again. Look not for wisdom that sounds pleasing to our ears. Look instead for the the mighty works of God. Look for mercy, forgiveness, and grace, look for the one who is truth and light and no other. You will find him where the lame walk, deaf hear, blind see, the contagious are made clean, and the poor have the Good News declared to them.