Did You Know You Are Greater Than John the Baptist! Matthew 11:7-11

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? 

After John's disciples left, Jesus had a chance to expound upon the unique role of John the Baptist to the crowds.  Jesus affirmed the bold message John delivered to them about repentance.  John was not "milque toast" in his preaching.  In keeping with the best Old Testament prophets, John came to deliver the Word of God even if if did not make everyone feel good.  

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. 

"This kind of clothing was an emblem of riches, splendor, effeminacy, feebleness of character. He meant to say that John was a man of a different stamp - coarse in his exterior, hardy in his character, firm in his virtue, suited to endure trials and privations, and thus qualified to be the forerunner of the toiling and suffering Messiah." (Barnes)

Jesus sets the expectations right away regarding the type of Messiah he would be.  Jesus showed he was not impressed by outward appearances. Instead he looked at the heart.  This was a good transition from all the miracles Jesus had done.  Though the miracles revealed Jesus divinity, the response desired was repentance.  People enjoy seeing miracles but may not repent because of them.  With high challenge John gave them, the crowds start to thin.  

9 Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 

John the Baptist was more than prophet because he came to introduce the Savior, the other prophets only could only look forward to.  

"Isaiah had been distinguished above all others for the sublimity of his writings, and the clearness with which he had foretold the coming of Christ. Yet John surpassed even him. He lived in the time of the Messiah himself. He predicted his coming with still more clarity. He was the instrument of introducing him to the nation. He was, therefore, first among the prophets."  (Barnes)

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."

John the Baptist rolled out the carpet for Jesus.  This particular passage is from Malachi 3:1, the last book written in Old Testament.  It reminds us of the importance of the Old Testament, whose prophets predicted Jesus' birth, life, death and resurrection with pinpoint accuracy.  The fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy proves the reliability and authenticity of the bible.  

Though the Old Testament had given plenty of preview to the messenger who was fulfilled in the person of John the Baptist, the people were not necessarily prepared for his message. 

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. 

"Though John was great, he was not born again under the New Covenant. This is because he lived and died before the completion of Jesus’ work at the cross and empty tomb. Therefore, he did not enjoy the benefits of the New Covenant." (Guzik)

John the Baptist was the only prophet who was filled Holy Spirit from birth. The other prophets only were filled with the Spirit for a particular time and purpose.  John preached when he saw Jesus, "the kingdom has drawn near".  Jesus demonstrated the power of the kingdom through miracles of healing and delivering people from evil spirits. Amazingly he promised the disciples and those to follow, "You will do even great things because I am sending my Spirit to you!" 

What would a prophet like John the Baptist look like today?  What would be his or her message?  Do you think Christians could be more bold in their proclamation of the Gospel?  How do you feel about the fact that because of your faith in Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit, you can have a greater impact than John the Baptist?  Where is God calling you to be Jesus' messenger to prepare the way for him to enter human hearts? 

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