Second Sunday of Advent Matthew 3:1-12

Isaiah 11:1-10

Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19

Romans 15:4-13

Matthew 3:1-12

lectionary:

Season of advent, Year a

Author (2)

Keywords (16)

Scripture (4)

Date Added

Jul 23, 2025

Where is Jesus When the Waiting Hurts?

Part…

AIM Commentary

Ancient Lens
What can we learn from the historical context?
The Waiting Hurts
For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John, and if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah who is to come.
Matt. 11:13-14, ESV
When John comes on the scene in Matthew, he enters a waiting world. A revivalist and a prophet in the style of the old prophets, was he the Elijah who would herald the coming of the Messiah and the kingdom of God?
He uncovered a deep longing in a people who, returned from exile, endured what seemed like only a partial restoration: a temple rebuilt, but without the Shekinah—a reconstituted people with silent prophets—enduring about 400…

Discussion Questions

Personal Waiting: The passage describes 400 years of "waiting that hurt" between the prophets. Think about a time when you experienced painful waiting in your own life. How did that season affect your faith, and what sustained you through it?
Competing Strategies: John's contemporaries had different approaches to their difficult situation - some collaborated with power, others intensified religious practices, some withdrew completely, and others chose violence. Which of these responses do you find most tempting when facing challenging circumstances? Why?
Desert Ministry: John chose to minister in the wilderness rather than in Jerusalem's centers of power. What might this location have symbolized, and how does…

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Authors

Stuart R. Strachan, Jr.

Founder and Executive Director, The Pastor's Workshop

Stuart is an ordained Presbyterian pastor and the founder and lead curator of The Pastor’s Workshop, a resource dedicated to equipping church leaders for effective ministry. Rooted in the vision of Ephesians 4, his greatest passion is empowering the saints for the work of the church. Stuart loves preaching, teaching, and helping congregations discover what it means to follow Jesus faithfully in the complexities of the 21st century.
Having grown up in diverse regions such as Boston, New York, Connecticut, and Southern California, Stuart brings a broad perspective to his ministry. He has served churches in various roles across California, Colorado, Pennsylvania, and Washington, enriching his understanding of ministry in different contexts.
Stuart is married to Colleen, who works as a Spiritual Formation Lead at Compassion International in Colorado Springs. Together, they have two children whom they cherish deeply.
In his free time, Stuart enjoys gardening, golf, diving into a good book, and rooting for his favorite baseball and basketball teams.
If you’re interested in inviting Stuart to speak at your conference, retreat, or event, please reach out to The Pastor’s Workshop for more details. His blend of wisdom, warmth, and practical insight will be a blessing to your gathering.

Read More By Stuart R. Strachan, Jr.
Jonathan Cornell

Jonathan Cornell has been serving as the Pastor of Shadle Park Presbyterian Church in Spokane, Washington, since October 2023. Before relocating to Spokane with his family, Jonathan spent a fulfilling decade as the Pastor of Wabash Presbyterian Church in Wabash, Indiana, where he became deeply involved in the life of the congregation and the community. Throughout his ministry, Jonathan has emphasized building strong relationships, fostering spiritual growth, and encouraging active service both within and outside the church.
Jonathan is married to the endlessly thoughtful and adventurous Rev. Jourdan Turner Cornell, a fellow ordained minister who shares his passion for ministry and service. Together, they are raising three children who are rapidly approaching their teenage years, which keeps the family on their toes and ensures there is never a dull moment. Despite their busy lives, the Cornells make time for family adventures and enjoy spending time together exploring new places and creating memories.
Outside of ministry, Jonathan and Jourdan are active in the local community, often attending their children’s sporting and musical events, and making time to relax by sitting on their front porch with friends and neighbors. The Cornells’ commitment to building a supportive and engaging community extends beyond their church family, as they actively participate in their neighborhood and surrounding areas.
In addition to his pastoral work, Jonathan is also the Co-Founder of the South Hill Turkeys Baseball Club in Spokane, a local baseball team for men over 40 who find themselves far past their athletic prime but continue to enjoy the camaraderie and fun of the game. Through his work as a pastor and his involvement in the community, Jonathan remains dedicated to serving others, building connections, and fostering growth in every aspect of his life.

Read More By Jonathan Cornell