Jesus Says Leave the Good Plan Behind

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In Matthew 11.1-15, Jesus shows us that there is a better plan. But to receive it, we need to give up the good plan entirely. John the baptizer was in prison and he wanted to know why. The Messiah had been doing great miracles right and left, so how come he could not be rescued from prison? He was probably anticipating a miraculous escape. So he sent his disciples to confirm if Jesus was indeed Messiah. Jesus told them, report to John that miracles are being done to heal people and the Good News is preached to the poor. There was nothing about John's escape. And Jesus said, "If you're not confused with what I'm doing blessed are you." John was freed later from prison---when he was beheaded. The good plan was that Jesus was freeing lots of people from bondage to sin and sickness. The better plan was, John was going to be beheaded in prison. Many times, we serve and worship God for some things in return---safety, health, promotion, healing, protection from the fear of suffering God's anger or the fear of suffering anything. We want immediate rewards, and God gives these. But the better plan is to go through the cross and enjoy the glory later. Jesus suffered the cross in order to get the glorious resurrection later--and men's salvation. If the paths you're traveling seem to be dead ends despite the fact that you're living the Jesus life, cheer up. God is preparing you for His better plan. That will lead to His best plan later.