John the Messenger - Matthew 11:7-14
7 As John’s disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swayed by the wind? 8 If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear fine clothes are in kings’ palaces. 9 Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 10 This is the one about whom it is written:
“‘I will send my messenger ahead of you,
who will prepare your way before you.’
11 Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. 12 From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been subjected to violence, and violent people have been raiding it. 13 For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John. 14 And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come. 15 Whoever has ears, let them hear.
Reflection: As John's disciples leave, presumably to let John know what they had seen and heard, Jesus clarifies two very important things about his cousin. First John's inquiry as to whether Jesus was the Messiah they had expected was not a sign of weakness but strength. The fact that John, even in his austere lifestyle and clothing, had such a following shows us he was a strong prophet. In fact, Jesus puts him up against any previous prophet. And then Jesus makes an interesting comment. Even though John is such a great prophet, the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he is.
This is a reminder that no matter what status we achieve as humans, we are still in an imperfect state. The greatest saint on earth is still a sinner, but one day we will enter the kingdom of heaven and receive an eternal glory. Jesus has tons of respect for how strong John was and the role he played as a messenger of the Messiah, but yet he still was a mortal in need of what Jesus would do on the cross. So on the one hand Jesus defends John's honor and his mixture of strength and humility. And on the other hand he is reminding them he is just a man.
John's role was to provide the way for the One who would pave the way for those who would believe and enter the kingdom of heaven. John is a good example to all those who would be a messenger for Christ. Note he was humble as his message was, "I must decrease so he can increase!" John lived a simple, austere lifestyle. He didn't get caught up in the things of this world but created space in his life to hear God and then deliver the message.
The season of Lent is a good time to observe John's motto, "I must decrease so He can increase." Disciplines of solitude, silence and fasting help us to slow down and hear God's still, small voice. Acts of kindness done in secret help us to learn how to serve humbly and curb the flesh's need for approval and attention. And yet we realize all of these disciplines await the day when we will enter the kingdom of heaven and behold God's glory face to face. As you prepare this season in Lent make a way for the Christ enter in, and you will have the joy and privilege of being his messenger so one more person can find their way to heaven.
Jesus we desire to be as faithful as your servant John the Baptist. Teach us to be humble and create a place in the desert wilderness to hear your still, small voice, and then be a messenger of your kingdom coming on earth as it is in heaven. Amen.
“‘I will send my messenger ahead of you,
who will prepare your way before you.’
11 Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. 12 From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been subjected to violence, and violent people have been raiding it. 13 For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John. 14 And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come. 15 Whoever has ears, let them hear.
Reflection: As John's disciples leave, presumably to let John know what they had seen and heard, Jesus clarifies two very important things about his cousin. First John's inquiry as to whether Jesus was the Messiah they had expected was not a sign of weakness but strength. The fact that John, even in his austere lifestyle and clothing, had such a following shows us he was a strong prophet. In fact, Jesus puts him up against any previous prophet. And then Jesus makes an interesting comment. Even though John is such a great prophet, the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he is.
This is a reminder that no matter what status we achieve as humans, we are still in an imperfect state. The greatest saint on earth is still a sinner, but one day we will enter the kingdom of heaven and receive an eternal glory. Jesus has tons of respect for how strong John was and the role he played as a messenger of the Messiah, but yet he still was a mortal in need of what Jesus would do on the cross. So on the one hand Jesus defends John's honor and his mixture of strength and humility. And on the other hand he is reminding them he is just a man.
John's role was to provide the way for the One who would pave the way for those who would believe and enter the kingdom of heaven. John is a good example to all those who would be a messenger for Christ. Note he was humble as his message was, "I must decrease so he can increase!" John lived a simple, austere lifestyle. He didn't get caught up in the things of this world but created space in his life to hear God and then deliver the message.
The season of Lent is a good time to observe John's motto, "I must decrease so He can increase." Disciplines of solitude, silence and fasting help us to slow down and hear God's still, small voice. Acts of kindness done in secret help us to learn how to serve humbly and curb the flesh's need for approval and attention. And yet we realize all of these disciplines await the day when we will enter the kingdom of heaven and behold God's glory face to face. As you prepare this season in Lent make a way for the Christ enter in, and you will have the joy and privilege of being his messenger so one more person can find their way to heaven.
Jesus we desire to be as faithful as your servant John the Baptist. Teach us to be humble and create a place in the desert wilderness to hear your still, small voice, and then be a messenger of your kingdom coming on earth as it is in heaven. Amen.
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