“The disciples understood that he was speaking to them of John the Baptist.” (Matthew 17:13)
John the Baptist, the epitome of a fearless prophet, prepared the way for Jesus by shaking people out of their sin and calling for repentance. He called members of the religious establishment a “brood of vipers” and even dared to take on members of the Roman occupying army (Matthew 3:7; Luke 3:14). His preaching eventually landed him in prison, where he was beheaded on Herod’s orders.
Then came Jesus, with a ministry of healing and forgiveness. He turned ideas like “an eye for an eye” on their head and told people to go out of their way to be kind and forgiving. Yet as gentle as he was, Jesus was just as clear about sin and our need for repentance. And he too was arrested and put to death for his preaching.
Both John and Jesus died because they spoke uncomfortable truths. Who among us doesn’t like to be complimented? We like people to approve of us and affirm what is good in us. But we also know that the people who love us the most are the ones willing to tell us the truth about the things we need to change. We know their primary goal is not to bring us down but to help us grow.
So when someone offers you constructive criticism—even if it’s delivered in a harsher tone than you expected—step back and listen carefully. Ask the Lord to show you how to respond. Is there truth in what was shared? How can you make a change, even if it is a small step forward? Always remember that God is with you to help you. He isn’t there to condemn but to save. He isn’t there to tear down but to build up.
Jesus wants us to become holy. He wants us to turn from sin. He may use a firebrand like John the Baptist, or he may use a gentle shepherd like Jesus, but the message is the same: The kingdom is coming, so get ready! May we be open to these words, and to the grace that always accompanies them. For our God will never ask something of us without also offering all the help we need to do it.
“Jesus, I don’t want to miss your voice of truth. Help me to welcome your call to change. Lord, I want to become like you!”
Sirach 48:1-4, 9-11 Psalm 80:2-3, 15-16, 18-19