Eyes to See, Ears to Hear...

 As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds concerning John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? 8 What then did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing? Behold, those who wear soft clothing are in kings' houses.9 What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 10 This is he of whom it is written,

“‘Behold, I send my messenger before your face,
    who will prepare your way before you.’

11 Truly, I say to you, among those born of women there has arisen no one greater than John the Baptist. Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. 12 From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force. 13 For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John, 14 and if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah who is to come. 15 He who has ears to hear, let him hear.

(Matthew 11)

Everyone should have been watching, and waiting, and listening. The prophets had been telling about A prophet who was to come - another prophet to prepare the way for the Messiah.  John looked like a prophet, sounded like a prophet, smelled like a prophet, yet most did not take him seriously - they did not look on him as authoritative or listen to him with open eyes and ears.  They treated him as they had most prophets, taking his challenge to repent lightly.  They did the same with Jesus.  It was, and still is, a matter of having eyes to see and ears to hear what God has to say - through His prophets, and especially His Son.  Today, may we have eyes to see, ears to hear, and hearts to respond.