Jesus told them, “Go back to John and tell him what you have heard and seen—5the blind see, the lame walk, those with leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, and the Good News is being preached to the poor.” Matthew 11:4-5
When we face difficult times, sometimes our own struggles and difficulties are all we can see. It is as if we become nearsighted, only able to focus on our present suffering. Sometimes what we need is a perspective shift. We need to be reminded that God is still at work in the world in so many different ways, even if we cannot understand how He is at work in our suffering. God’s work in the world ought to give us hope, recognizing that He is still in control, and we can trust Him.
Jesus reminded John the Baptist of all of the ways He was at work in Matthew 11. We left off in our Bible study yesterday with John the Baptist in prison. While in prison, he heard stories of all that Jesus was doing throughout His earthly ministry. As he heard all of the things Jesus was doing and saying, John the Baptist sent his disciples to ask Jesus, “Are You the Messiah we’ve been expecting, or should we keep looking for someone else?” (verse 3). He had questions, and he took his questions straight to Jesus. Jesus’ response to John the Baptist is fascinating. He said to John’s disciples, “Go back to John and tell him what you have heard and seen—the blind see, the lame walk, those with leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, and the Good News is being preached to the poor” (verse 7). In other words, Jesus was telling John to pay attention to what was happening all around him. Jesus was at work in remarkable ways, healing the sick, causing those who could not walk to walk again, and preaching good news to everyone around Him. As John was in prison, facing his own suffering, Jesus’ encouragement to him was to pay attention to how He was at work, so that John could find encouragement and hope, even from prison. It is interesting that Jesus never said, “Yes, I am the Messiah you’ve been expecting.” Instead, Jesus let His actions and miracles speak for themselves, showing that He was the Messiah. He was still at work, even amidst John’s imprisonment.
Still today, God is at work, even amidst the struggles and difficulties you are facing. The question is, are you paying attention and looking to see how He is at work all around you? God is moving, working, and bringing people to Himself all around you. Look around you and notice how He is at work, in the big and small ways. If He is at work all around you, you can be sure that He is still working in your life right now, too.
Your homework, should you choose to accept it, is to pay attention today to ways God is at work in the world. As you see Him at work all around you, from the beautiful sunrise this morning, to the long-prayed prayer of your friend or even an acquaintance that He finally answers “yes” to, to the joy found even in a difficult season, write these ways that God is at work down or make a list of them on your phone. At the end of the day, read your list. Thank God for the ways He is still at work, even if you cannot understand how He is at work in your present struggle. Let His work in the world encourage you that you can trust Him even now.
Prayer Prompt: Use this prompt to guide you as you pray.
“God, as I remember how You are at work in the world, I worship You because…”
Going Deeper
Matthew 11:1-10
1 After Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he went on from there to teach and preach in the towns of Galilee.
2 When John, who was in prison, heard about the deeds of the Messiah, he sent his disciples 3 to ask him, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?”
4 Jesus replied, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see: 5 The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. 6 Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.”
7 As John’s disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swayed by the wind? 8 If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear fine clothes are in kings’ palaces. 9 Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 10 This is the one about whom it is written:
“‘I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.’
©2026 Sagebrush Church
