It’s not only in civil government. Dishonesty infiltrates our work places and our schools. Lies are told to us in our vocations and in the classrooms. Even families are “hotbeds” of dishonesty. If we are going to be “honest” with ourselves, we are going to have to admit, that within the walls of our “imperfect” homes, lies are told, honesty is at times compromised, and deception takes place.

If we are going to be honest, we also must realize that such things happen in the church as well. Your pastors and deacon are imperfect people who have at times not put the best construction on situations. The church leaders in this place have not always acted in Christian ways or said and done what is pleasing in the eyes of God. Dishonesty, in one way or another – publically or privately – has graced the lips of each person in this room this morning.

One might wonder if it was “honesty” sought but John the Baptizer as he sits in prison. Does John simply want an “honest” answer from Jesus when he sends his disciples to ask a very important question: “Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?” This is the perfect question – it’s crystal clear.

We don’t know for sure why John asked the question calling on Jesus to give an “honest” answer. Was John simply asking to reassure his followers that Jesus is the Christ? This could be. He knew his time was short. He wouldn’t last much longer in prison. Was prison becoming too much for John? Was he starting to crack? This is possible. Being a prisoner and harsh treatment could lead anyone to need a certain level or reassurance. Perhaps John was just frustrated over the whole situation and lashed out at Jesus through his own disciples. Perhaps John was just puzzled over all of this. Where was judgment day? Where was our Lord’s great coming in all the splendor and glory one could imagine?

You see the thing about John the Baptist – he remained honest. How do we know? Well, because he was willing to be thrown into prison – he was willing to put his life on the line over this man – His Lord. Honesty and integrity meant remaining faithful when hardships came and the threat of death was upon him. For whatever reason John asks this question and it required an honest answer.

And that is exactly what Jesus gave. And when Jesus gives us today this kind of answer, we can take it to the bank. Jesus says, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see.” What are the things we see and hear? “The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor.” Jesus says, let what has happened speak to you about who I am. Only God can do these things. Only God could make something like this happen. Only God could look into the eyes of John’s disciples and give an honest answer. Jesus is saying, “Yes.” I am the one you are looking for. I am the one for whom you said “make straight paths.” I am the one that you were talking about – put before man by God – when you said, “Prepare the way of the Lord.”

John the Baptizer was a preacher of preparation. Honest preparations. Today the King who promises to come again still has preachers of preparation. Paul said to the Corinthians in the epistle text for today that they are called to be stewards of the mysteries of God. They are to “go and show” again the things they hear and see. They are to prepare God’s people for Christ’s constant and future coming. They must lead by example. God’s pastors are to lead God’s people in the Word in the Sacraments and personally by living as a good example.

I wish I could practice what I preach. Before you today, beloved in the Lord, you see a poor miserable sinner who is not “worthy” to preach these words you hear. I have sinned in thought, word and deed – by what I have done and by what I have left undone. I have said the wrong things. I have, at times, done what God condemns. Believe you me – I try to set a good example and maybe many times I do – but not always. Not as a pastor, not as a parent and not as a husband. I’m just trying to be honest.

Be honest with yourself. Scandal surrounds those who are in the public eye. People in the public eye do things that are very wrong – like the Illinois Governor. Their deception and sin is great, but how does it look to God in comparison to our sins? Be honest – are we, too, chief of sinners? Have we not also conspired and plotted, been selfish or conceited? Oh I bet I could take that to the bank. You have. I have. I’m not trying to make excuses for politicians, pastors who are caught up in a public scandal or fellow family members. A person’s sins are before them especially when it hurts others so badly. But be honest, none of us are innocent. None of us can say, I have no sin – I am not guilty. Recognize, today, who you really are.

Be honest – we haven’t been honest. John wanted an honest answer – and He got one. If you aren’t sure what an honest answer looks like, take a look again at Matthew 11:2-10. Jesus our Savior holds nothing back for you. John’s words of preparation where not spoken in vain. John prepared those he preached to which includes you and me for the coming of the Lord and the onset of His public ministry

There are a lot of “unsure” things about this world. And more and more these days, we aren’t sure of much of anything. Let’s be honest, all that is around you is imperfect. All that is around is tainted in some way by the devil, this world and sin. But beloved in the Lord, allow me to prepare you for one thing…

The Word of the Lord holds true in these unsure times. The Word is what we can count on. God’s promises are what we can trust. Even in the midst of turmoil and struggles, the Lord never wavers. We can be confident that Jesus is being honest with us when He says, “I am with you always to the very end of the age.” We can be confident that Jesus is being honest with us when He says, “I am the way the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except by me.” We can be confident that Jesus is being honest with us when He says, “Greater love has no one that this, that He lay down His life for His friends. You are my friends.”

Let’s be honest – being a friend of Jesus means more than we could put into words. Take the opportunity to share those words with someone close to you this Christmas Season. Make sure they know the honest reason for the Season. Make sure they know your Jesus.

On Jordan’s Bank the Baptist Cry. Hark! A Thrilling Voice Is Sounding. Prepare the way. Make straight paths for Him. The honest answer is given. It is Christ the Lord. Amen.

The peace of God which passes all understanding shall keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Amen.