Exaggerated Trailers

Gospel: Matthew 3: 1-12

How often have we seen a trailer for a movie that does not quite reflect the actual movie itself?  In today's Gospel portion we have John the Baptist announcing the coming of the Messiah, and while pieces of his preview are accurate, some of it is a bit exaggerated.  John is expecting harsh judgment from the coming Messiah, especially to the professional religious ruling class.  He is also expecting a full and complete reckoning which apparently will not come until the sequel appears at some unknown date.

Jesus does in fact express harsh judgment on the religious leaders of his day.  In fact, it is reserved exclusively for them, as they are hypocritical and self-righteous, traits they carry with them to this very day.  Yet, the Gospels also record Jesus eating at table with them, just as he does with tax collectors and prostitutes.  He engages with them in a never-ending attempt to bring conversion and reform to their lives.  The table fellowship is not a reward; it is the place of encounter and hoped for restoration.

John the Baptist had his hopes and expectations for the coming Messiah, hopes that many today share about Jesus' ever expectant second act on earth.  Yet just as in the first, so it will likely be in the second that the reality may not match the preview announced.  We look for Jesus to come in the clouds with judgment and power, and instead we find him in the person of the immigrant, migrant, refugee, poor, and marginalized.  We find him at stable and table.