Luke 7:22Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

All these miracles were foretold by the blessed prophets as events destined to occur through my ministry. If I am indeed accomplishing what has been anticipated for ages, and you are witnesses to these acts, return and share what you have observed with your own eyes—the manifestations of my power and what the blessed prophets have foretold through the ages.

This is indeed the comprehensive witness through which the prophet acknowledged the Lord, as it was prophesied of Him alone: The Lord feeds the hungry, the Lord raises those who have fallen, the Lord liberates the prisoners, the Lord gives sight to the blind, the Lord cherishes the upright, protects the stranger, and accepts the orphan and the widow, while the paths of the wicked He destroys. The One who performs these deeds, the Lord shall reign eternally (Psalm 145:7-9, 10). These acts are not manifestations of human ability, but rather of divine omnipotence—banishing the darkness of perpetual night from the blind, healing the wounds of tired eyes with the gift of light, restoring hearing to the deaf, rejuvenating the strength of the weakened limbs, raising those who have succumbed to sleep into the light, and imparting renewed life to them. Before the arrival of the Gospel, such miracles occurred infrequently or not at all. Tobiah's sight was restored, yet that was an angelic act of healing, not one of human origin (see Tob. 11:15, Tob. 6:5). Elijah brought the dead back to life (see 1 Kings 17:20-23), yet he did so with tears and pleading, while the Lord commanded His actions. Elisha assisted a leper in finding cleansing (see 2 Kings 5:10-14), but this was accomplished not through direct command, but rather through mysterious knowledge. The flour, which the prophet multiplied at his command, did not deplete for the starving widow, but this miracle served only one widow and foreshadowed the sacrament.

To say that “the blind see” signifies that those who cling to worldly hope are spiritually blind; however, if they abandon such hopes and direct their gaze toward the eternal promises awaiting them, they gain true sight. Similarly, the phrase “the lame walk” illustrates that an individual who yearns for God yet remains tied to worldly desires is spiritually crippled. If they relinquish those desires and devote their love to God wholeheartedly, they will begin to walk in righteousness. Furthermore, when we hear that “the deaf hear,” it conveys that a person consumed by distractions is spiritually deaf, due to their fixation on external pleasures and neglect of spiritual obligations. Yet, should they detach themselves from these entanglements, they will regain the ability to hear.

The notion that “lepers shall be cleansed” reinforces the guidance found within the Mosaic law, which warns against allowing unclean individuals—those harboring enmity, hatred, envy, or judgment—into the house of the Lord. When a person forsakes these destructive attitudes, they too can attain purity.

Even though the messengers posed their questions to Jesus on behalf of John, it is important to recognize that this mission was primarily for the benefit of John's disciples. John directed his followers to Christ, seeking clarity on who Jesus was. It would be hard to believe that John himself harbored doubts about Jesus' Messianic identity, especially considering he had received divine affirmation at Jesus' baptism and had boldly proclaimed Him as the Messiah. Such profound experiences should have solidified John's faith and alleviated any struggles with the humble circumstances surrounding Christ's ministry.

As John's disciples questioned Jesus about their teacher's concerns, the Lord performed many wonders. In responding to their inquiry, Jesus highlighted these miracles as evidence of His authority and mission, echoing the words of the prophet Isaiah as confirmation of His purpose. He referred to the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, indicating that His ministry involved bringing good news particularly to the poor and downtrodden, those suffering under political and economic oppression. Jesus expressed a blessing for those who would not stumble due to His humble state, demonstrating His awareness of the discussions between John’s disciples and their teacher, which led them to seek understanding regarding His role in the kingdom of God.

This is why Jesus, without providing a straightforward answer to John’s query and alluding to Isaiah's prophecy, instructed them, 'Go and inform John of what you have seen and heard: the blind receive sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have the Gospel proclaimed to them.’ Although Jesus’ reply was indirect, John’s disciples were expected to interpret it as: Inform John of everything you have witnessed and heard, and he will echo the words of Isaiah to you: Be strong, do not fear; here is your God, and He... will save you!

John’s followers should have understood Jesus’ message in this manner because He concluded by proclaiming, ‘Blessed is the one who is not offended by me,’ signifying that they should not doubt His identity as the promised One. However, it remains unclear whether John’s disciples comprehended Jesus’ response as intended since the Evangelists do not clarify this. It appeared that their experiences should have left a profound impact on their hearts, which were not yet fully aligned with Jesus: all those healed of various ailments, those who were given sight and the ability to speak, the weary, and the destitute in spirit, all bore witness to the glory of Jesus. John’s disciples needed only to embrace this good news, and many indeed came to believe in Jesus Christ as the genuine Messiah, although not all. Some persisted in their refusal to acknowledge Him, forming a distinct sect following John’s death.

As John's messengers departed, their arrival and their inquiry on John's behalf may have stirred uncertainty among those present with Jesus. Many might have speculated that it was John himself questioning Jesus, ‘Is He the One who is to come, or should we await another?’ If John posed such a question, it would imply he harbored doubts about Jesus, suggesting he had misjudged Him at the Jordan, and now, after being advised to exercise caution in prison, he hesitated and was unsure of the identity of the One he had designated as the Lamb who takes away the sins of the world. To counter these doubts, it was crucial to remind those who were beginning to overlook John of the multitudes that had flocked to him in the wilderness of the Jordan, eager to hear his proclamation about the coming Kingdom of Heaven, to repent, and to receive baptism. They should recall how he confronted the Pharisees and Sadducees, and the responses he provided to those sent by the chief priests.

Consequently, the Lord, referring to the undeniable evidence of His deeds, instructed those sent: “Go and report to John what you hear and see: the blind receive sight, the lame walk, those afflicted with leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have the gospel preached to them; and blessed is he who is not offended by Me.” With His final remarks, as noted by St. John Chrysostom, He directed this message specifically towards the disciples of John.