“Verily I say unto you, among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist; notwithstanding, he that is least in the kingdom of Heaven is greater than he.” Matthew 11:11
There is no doubt about John the Baptist’s direct relationship to Jesus; not only was he Jesus’ cousin, he was divinely chosen by God to be the messenger foretelling Jesus’ ministry. In today’s society, he would be considered the advertisement trailer —the pre-event marketing strategy of the main event. When we read about his life, we know he lived sparsely, ate sparingly, and until his appearance in Israel, remained mostly in solitude in the desert and wilderness. At some point, because of the righteousness of the life he led, the people believed he was the Messiah. However, he was certain to correct them whenever he heard them. It is interesting to note that his ministry was so well-known, that even the nobles knew who he was, and feared him. Yet, in the comment above, Jesus states that as great as John-the-Baptist was, the very “least” of us in the Kingdom of God will be “greater than he.”
Imagine for a moment that we, with all our faults, limitations, and disbelief; with repentance, remission of sin, baptism, and profession of faith in Jesus Christ as our Savior, will be greater than John-the-Baptist! It is almost too stunning to imagine. Here is a man that while he was in the very womb of his mother, was already filled with the Holy Spirit praising God. (Luke 1:15)
John-the-Baptist truly understood the purpose for his life; somehow he did not get side-tracked by the perils of life; he did not get bogged down by the minutia of life, he simply stayed on course to become a walking advertisement for baptism in Jesus Christ. He fulfilled his purpose even unto the end of his life when things seemed the bleakest.
Today, let the promise of God lead your faith; and let no man take from you the gift that has already been freely given in Jesus Christ. L.
Study Reference: Luke 3:2-22 Matthew 14:3-14
From: "Remaining On Course." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell
photo: bluefish
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