Advent Devotional by David M. Fulk

Matthew 11:2-11

“…yet whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he...” (Matthew 11:11)

About now, some are impatiently ready for this season to end. Others can’t wait for Christmas and its Twelve Days. And others need more time. ’Tis the season to wait!

To fully appreciate our text, we have to consider how long and how intensely Jewish people had been waiting for “the one who is to come.” Can you think of anything you, your family, your community, your generation has been waiting on for hundreds of years?

In the text, there’s a growing excitement that their long-awaited Redeemer may already be among them. Even while John sits in prison, many believe he is the chosen one. Since baptizing him, however, John believes it is his kinsman, Jesus.

Despite Jesus’s miracles and parables, John wants Jesus to confirm his belief. In doing so, Jesus honors his cousin by telling a crowd that no one is greater than John. Then comes the teachable moment…those who are the least in your eyes are greater than you.

So while we wait impatiently for this season to end or to quickly come, we have a reminder of our place in this season…and in the eyes of Jesus. Take time today to think about those who are the least around us. We see many worthy efforts to help those in need.

Now look more closely. Do we see those who are or have long been treated as the least? Those of other races and cultures? Those seeking equality and equity? Those seeking inclusion? Those longing for wholeness? For whom do they wait? Messiah came 2000 years ago. Who is coming for them?

Might they be waiting for us? Waiting for us to notice, to act, to advocate? Waiting for us to do justice and to love goodness? Waiting for us to treat them as the greatest Jesus described them to be? If so, then what are we waiting for?

            Christians all, your Lord is coming, calling you to serve in deed.

            See the ones who hurt and suffer, hear their cry and act with speed.

            Set all selfish ways behind you. Purge your hearts of sinful greed.

            Alleluia! Alleluia! Christ in you will meet their need.

—hymn text by Jim Miller (1993)