Jesus began speaking to the crowds about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? But what did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing? Those who wear soft clothing are in kings’ palaces! But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and one who is more than a prophet.

Matthew 11:7b-9

Matthew 11:2-15 is one of those passages where Jesus drops questions that seem simple on the surface but cut deep when you sit with them. Speaking of John the Baptist, he asks the crowd, “What did you go out into the wilderness to see?” It’s a question that resonates with me especially during Advent, when we’re supposed to be looking, waiting, and preparing. But are we ready for what we might find? Or are we focused on finding something that fulfills expectations we’ve already made?

Let’s be honest with ourselves: how often do we approach God like we’re shopping for a new car? We’ve got our checklist: reliable, comfortable, fast, with a high-end entertainment system. Too often we want a faith like that, too. Faith that fits neatly into our lives, without disrupting us too much. A life of, as Dietrich Bonhoeffer names it, “cheap grace” where we receive all of the benefits of forgiveness and salvation without true repentance, discipleship, or transformation. But then Jesus comes along and asks, “What are you even looking for?”

Jesus starts by addressing the crowd’s expectations of John the Baptist. Did they expect to see a people-pleaser (someone to make them feel good about themselves)? Or were they looking for someone in fine robes? Spoiler alert: John’s wardrobe screamed wilderness chic, not royal palace. Instead, they found a wild-eyed prophet who ate locusts for breakfast and didn’t mince words.

We’ve all had that experience of unmet expectations. Maybe you signed up for a yoga class expecting serene stretches and calming chants, only to find yourself dodging a drill sergeant’s barked commands while high-energy music shakes the walls. Or maybe you ordered a fancy meal at a high-end restaurant, only to find out it’s one of those tiny portions that’s more about presentation than taste. The crowd came to see John expecting something polished or palatable, but what they got was raw, unfiltered truth.

The same goes for how we approach God. Do you look for a savior who affirms all your choices? Or, are you ready for one who challenges you to grow? Advent invites us to wrestle with this question: What are we really seeking?

John wasn’t hanging out in a palace. He was in the wilderness. And let’s be honest, the wilderness isn’t exactly a great vacation spot. It’s uncomfortable, unpredictable, and full of things that sting, bite, or scratch. But it’s also where God tends to show up.

In the Bible, the wilderness is where people encounter God in powerful ways. Think Moses and the burning bush or Jesus during his forty days of testing and temptation. The wilderness strips away distractions and forces us to focus on what really matters.

Advent is like a spiritual wilderness. It’s a chance to strip away distractions and ask, “What am I really seeking?”  It’s a season all about watching and waiting. But what are we watching for? A cozy snow globe nativity scene that warms our hearts, or a radical Christ who shakes the orb and turns the world upside-down?

Jesus’ question isn’t just for the crowd - it’s for us, too. What are we looking for this Advent? Are we seeking comfort and confirmation, or are we open to being challenged and changed? Advent isn’t about finding what’s easy or comfortable. It’s about preparing for a savior who doesn’t just meet our expectations but exceeds them in ways we can’t imagine. 

May we be like John to the people around us. Not as reeds swaying in the breeze, but firm in our faith like oaks of righteousness.

The Rev. Dion Crider, Dean of IONA, Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma