This is a revelry in all that is splendidly, even tragically, unreasonable about life. It is rejoicing in the Author of life, with his ultimate claims on life--the same Author who said, "I am the way, truth, and life."
His life must increase; mine must decrease. Perhaps John was thinking this as he stared down the throat of death. He spent his life preparing the way for Christ. Since then his followers had scattered, his ministry ended. He struggles to believe that Jesus is the way. "Are you the Christ?" he says, "Or do we wait for another?" My life is ending; answer me! Have I named you for what you are?
Christ does not call this question, 'unbelief.' He does not ask, as he does another time, 'Who do you say that I am?" Christ simply opens John's eyes to see all that He does.
The blind see.
The lame walk.
The lepers are clean.
The deaf hear.
The dead live.
The poor hear the good news.
Through Christ, life triumphs over death, sight over blindness. My existence--the good and the bad--becomes a promising testimony to the power of Christ. Like the apostle Paul, I live that I may know Him and the power of his resurrection. By becoming like him in death I also share in His resurrection. And this is the miracle: Christ is in me, the hope of eternal life.
