Matthew 11:10-15
“This is the one about whom it is written: ‘BEHOLD, I AM SENDING MY MESSENGER AHEAD OF YOU, WHO WILL PREPARE YOUR WAY BEFORE YOU.’ 11Truly I say to you, among those born of women there has not arisen anyone greater than John the Baptist! Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. 12And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has been treated violently, and violent men take it by force. 13For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John. 14And ifyou are willing to accept it, John himself is Elijah who was to come.15The one who has ears to hear, let him hear.”
This was about John the Baptist. This was quite a tribute Jesus gave. I haven’t appreciated John enough. When I look back at the biblical heros so many great ones come to mind: Joseph, Moses, David, Elijah, Paul and so on. John seems like an odd guy who had a strange diet that was confrontative and loud. I would have picked any of those choices above John. Jesus doesn’t. There was something special about him. It makes sense as this is the most important event in history. God becoming a man and eventually dying for our sins.
What makes John more interesting is that he and Jesus were cousins. They grew up seeing and knowing one another. I don’t think John knew who Jesus was, but Jesus may have known John’s role. But maybe not. Philippians 2:6,7 makes an interesting point, “who, as He already existed in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but emptied Himself by taking the form of a bond-servant and being born in the likeness of men.” Jesus is and was God, but when He became a man, He laid aside many of His powers. One was His omnipotence. So, when on earth He didn’t know everything. So, Jesus may not have known that John would be His forerunner.
John and Jesus died young and in their prime. Verse 12 from todays verses says, “And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has been treated violently, and violent men take it by force.” This violence will become far greater with Jesus and John. Herod with take John’s life. John would call out Herod for having his brother’s wife. The wife is the one who tricked Herod into having John put to death. Mark 6:20 gives us more insight, “for Herod was afraid of John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he had been protecting him. And when he heard him, he was very perplexed; and yet he used to enjoy listening to him.” Herod was grieved that he had been pressured to put John to death.
Herod enjoyed listening to John. That tells us that John was an interesting person to listen to. We know that people flocked to the wilderness to hear him. He was gifted in speech. He was also bringing the people back to God. He challenged the pharisees of the day. He was pointing to One who was coming. John 1:22,23 has John speaking of his mission, ‘Then they said to him, “Who are you? Tell us, so that we may give an answer to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?” He said, “I am THE VOICE OF ONE CALLING OUT IN THE WILDERNESS, ‘MAKE THE WAY OF THE LORD STRAIGHT,’ as Isaiah the prophet said.”’ Isaiah 40:4,5 gives more explanation about John’s task, “Let every valley be lifted up, And every mountain and hill be made low; And let the uneven ground become a plain, And the rugged terrain a broad valley; Then the glory of the LORD will be revealed, And all flesh will see it together; For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.” It’s amazing to hear the prophet speak about Jesus’ coming. So glorious. Yes, Jesus was humble, but He was God incarnate. John was His forerunner.
Lord, thank You for John. Help us to appreciate him more.