The Good News Disrupts and Upends - October 17, 2025

Today’s Readings: AM Psalm 16, 17; PM Psalm 22; Jer. 38:14-28; 1 Cor. 15:1-11; Matt. 11:1-6

In today’s gospel, Jesus is exchanging messages with John the Baptist. Incarcerated for speaking out against the wicked ruler Herod Antipas, John heard from his friends and followers who spoke of Jesus’ actions. This news got the prophet thinking, as he had time for that in jail.

The prophets of old – like Isaiah – had prophesied about the Messiah. John knew to watch the signs. As a prophet, he practiced listening to God and noted the movements and motifs of people. I imagine that he monitored and measured faithfulness. Attuned to the Spirit and God’s people, John sensed change coming. And so, he sent word to Jesus, asking “Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?”

Jesus responded to his jailed cousin. He told John’s disciples to testify to what they witnessed in his actions. He gave examples of what they could point to, for Jesus healed obvious brokenness in people –sight, gait, skin maladies, hearing, and those at the point of death. And the poor – the ignored and easily-manipulated – “have good news brought to them”.

Something new occurred to me: Jesus put the power back into the hands of the vulnerable, both through healing and through the way he named the healings. He did not give himself the credit, saying “I restored sight to the blind and I healed the lame.” Jesus said, “the blind receive their sight, the lame walk”. Those healed were at the center; their personhood was restored. The downtrodden were empowered to stand upright.

As a prophet, the change and challenge Jesus brought was considerable. He offered new hope those whose voices were once squelched and disregarded. By doing so, he made things messier for those in positions of power, because God sent the Son to bring freedom in a divine way to all. The Good News of God’s faithfulness lifts us in new ways, and it calls us to let go of what holds us back.

How is the humble prophet and Son of God bringing truth, healing, and freedom into your life today?

With God’s help.

Katherine+

Reflection and Challenge

Sit with Matthew 11:1-6 today. Where is Jesus' message of healing and hope calling you to pay attention? What part of the Good News will you share with those around you?