John, More Than A Prophet

                                                                 Matthew 11: 2-11

Have you noticed that when Jesus was asked questions He seemed to indirectly respond as to make the listener dig deep within himself to understand His response? Jesus often used parables and figurative language to illustrate his point, and at times answered a question with a question.

In Matthew 11, John the Baptist was in prison and heard what Jesus was doing, so he sent his disciples to ask Jesus, “Are you the one who has come, or should we expect someone else?” Jesus replied, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor. Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me.”

Before Jesus’ appearance, in John 1, John the Baptist was approached by priests and Levites from Jerusalem sent by the Jews to inquire about who he was. When asked directly, John stated that he was neither the Christ nor Elijah, but then he proceeded to tell them, “I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, make straight the way of the Lord, as the prophet Elijah said.”

How could John have understood and been so comfortable in his role? Surely he was not born with the name John the Baptist. It is unlikely that as he was growing up his parents told him he would be cleansing the sins of man in the Jordan River. He followed the spirit of God to the place he felt he belonged.

Jesus said of John in Matthew 11:11 “I tell you the truth: Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist….” 

As we grow and develop our interests and talents, we too must seek our purpose in the Lord. For some it seems easy, and they fall into their niche quite early in life. Others of us either ignore the nudging of the Lord or amidst the noise and commotion of this world do not make ourselves still to listen for our calling. No matter when we wake ourselves up to our purpose though, it is not too late. The arms of the Lord are always open to a “good and faithful servant.” 

Read/Listen to Matthew 11: 2-11