There was once a time when the world knew not of its Savior. Yet there was hope because it had been foretold that a child would be born and called Emmanuel – God is with us. In Lent, we prepare for his coming anew. During this season, we discover for ourselves the call of salvation and the promise of eternal life.
John the Baptist had committed himself to be the messenger who prepares the way for the ‘one greater to come.’ He guided the people to the waters’ edge to cleanse them of their sins and baptize them in the name of God. Then he met a man called Jesus and began to believe that he was the Son of God, ‘the one greater to come.’
Because of his faith, John was imprisoned. The time of his fateful death drew near. Two of his disciples visited him in prison. John wanted them to do one last thing for him. He wanted them to go to Jesus and ask him this simple question:
“Are you the one?” (Matthew 11:3)
When Jesus was asked this question by John’s friends, he responded by stating all that he had accomplished since he had begun his ministry: he gave sight to the blind, he made the lame walk, he healed the lepers, he made the deaf hear, he raised the dead.
Jesus kept on with his work. As he offered himself to the people, he was asked the same question asked by John: are you the one? Here is how Jesus answered:
“I am the bread of life.” (John 6:35)
To others asking the question, Jesus said:
“I am the light of the world.” (John 8:12)
When Jesus gathered with the apostles the days before he was crucified, they had questions, as well. Jesus answered them:
“I am the way, the truth, and the life.” (John 14:6)
John the Baptist asked of Jesus, “Are you the one?” It is the same question people today ask: Jesus, are you the one?
And Jesus answers us each day in word and deed:
“I am.”
These Gospel stories are re-imagined in the book series:
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