Jump

When John heard in prison of the works of the Messiah, he sent his disciples to him with this question, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?” Matthew 11:2-3

He jumped twice.

First, he was imprisoned in a woman’s womb. He recognized Jesus that he jumped for joy as soon as the sound of greetings was heard in his mother’s ears.

Second, he was imprisoned in a cell. He recognized Jesus that he jumped for a question as soon as his ears heard about the miraculous exploits of the Messiah.

The first prison gives life. The second was near to his death.

The first prison was a start. The second was a mile away from the finish line.

The first prison gave him warmth. The second gave him the cold bars.

The first prison was secure. The second was insecure.

The first prison gave him assurance. The second included the word “or”.

Understand John, understand yourself.

You jump for joy when the weather in your family is warm. You leap with gladness when the job is secure. You tip top when your health and finances are assured. You hurdle when your church of community gives you an encouraging life.

And yet, question marks fill your life and you bound in inquiry when family relationships are cold. You soar with your “or” when your job is standing on quick sand. You jump in doubt when there is sickness and poverty. You hop and skip to absence when church or community is not life giving.

In both prisons, recognize Jesus as Messiah. This would be enough to jump. For Jesus and for joy.