By Matt DeBall, coordinator of Mission Advancement communications

“When the [disciples of John] came to Jesus, they said, ‘John the Baptist sent us to you to ask, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?’ ’ //  At that very time Jesus cured many who had diseases, sicknesses and evil spirits, and gave sight to many who were blind. So he replied to the messengers, ‘Go back and report to John what you have seen and heard: 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.’” ~Luke 7:20-22, NIV

During the most trying times of our lives—perhaps even in recent days—how many of us have asked, “Is this for real?” When circumstances in our country or the world occur that we could not have imagined or when events in our personal lives happen that we did not expect, we can feel caught off-guard, confused, or concerned.

As John the Baptist saw hurting people in his community and harmful actions of the empire, it seems he questioned in whom it was safe to place hope. Despite his doubts, John took a step of faith. He raised a question with his disciples (for which he also sent them to gather an answer): “Jesus, are you the real deal?”

John’s doubts can give us great comfort. The gospel of Luke tracks the narrative for us. This is the same John who jumped the first time he was in a room with Jesus—while they were both in the womb—startling his mother and creating a memory about which John certainly heard often as he grew up (Luke 1:39-45). This is also the same John who baptized Jesus and saw the christening of the Holy Spirit like a dove and the voice of God echoing the same blessing (Luke 3:21-22). Even after John had both of these first-hand encounters with Jesus, he still had doubts! If he could, surely there’s room for you, for me, for anyone to have doubts and questions in trying times.

As John’s disciples approached Jesus and asked their question, Jesus didn’t immediately share an answer. Jesus continued in his ministry of healing and encouragement, and then shared these words:

“Go back and report to John what you have seen and heard: 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.”

Throughout our lives, there are times when we search for welcoming spaces and find disappointment or rejection instead. Even people who say that they value hospitality, peace, and love may not realize that their actions convey an entirely different message.

In contrast, what a breath of fresh air it is when people confess the peace of Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, and they reveal by how they live that they mean it. What a blessing it is to find life-giving environments where people see the words of Jesus as challenges to wrestle with in community, not controversial words to shy away from.

Among the mission and ministry of the Church of the Brethren (in congregations and through denominational work, in the US and around the world), the markers of Christ-like service, holistic peace, and the abundant love of God are seen and heard among us. We walk alongside survivors of disaster and turmoil of many kinds. We provide spaces where people can find healing and comfort. We identify and create opportunities with people of all walks of life to grow in relationship with one another and to follow the ways of Jesus together. As we do these things and many more, we help others hold on to hope.

I invite you to reflect on these questions: How do we see ourselves continuing the work of Jesus? When people encounter us, how will they know with certainty that we’re walking and talking and living like Jesus? (Please feel welcome to share your reflections with us at MA@brethren.org.)

As we go about our work, our play, and our rest, let us remember that there are people around us who are hurting, concerned, or scared in ways we can’t always see or imagine. As they encounter us, they may be asking:  Is this person for real? Is this church the real deal? Is the healing work of Jesus present here? May our actions and words provide clear answers to these questions, especially through trying times.

Learn more about the faith-building and life-changing work of the Church of the Brethren at www.brethren.org/greatthings. Support our mission and ministry today at www.brethren.org/give.

(Read this issue of eBrethren.)